Report: Goran Dragic to opt out with Heat, will become free agent
Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic will opt out of his contract and become a free agent on July 1, according to the Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman.
Dragic's agent reportedly confirmed that the point guard intends to turn down his $7.5 million player option. That decision had been expected, as Dragic stands to make significantly more money next season, whether he remains with Miami or joins another team. The Sun Sentinel's report called it a "certainty" ever since the Heat acquired Dragic at the trade deadline from Phoenix.
Miami landed Dragic and his brother Zoran, also a guard, from the Suns in a three-way deal that also involved the New Orleans Pelicans. According to the report, Heat president Pat Riley said after the Heat missed playoffs for the first time in seven years that he was confident of retaining Dragic. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are reportedly expected to be suitors.
The Heat will be able to offer Dragic a fifth year that could be worth up to $26.2 million, with a five year, $115 million maximum deal potentially on the table.
Miami faces the possibility of losing star guard Dwyane Wade, who has mutual interest with the Lakers according to SI.com's Chris Mannix.
• Report: Heat seek five-year, $80 million deal for Dragic
- Jeremy Woo
