NBA Rumors: "Great Interest" Around League for Goran Dragic Trade

 

Contrary to what many observers have felt over the past few months, a new report says there is "great interest" amongst teams around the NBA in the Toronto Raptors' estranged point guard Goran Dragic, and a trade could be soon consummated. 

Doug Smith of The Toronto Star reports:

According to multiple NBA sources, granted anonymity because nothing has been finalized, the Raptors are finding great interest in a myriad of differently structured deals for the veteran point guard and he is almost certain to be dealt near the Feb. 10 NBA trade deadline.

Dragic came to the Raptors from the Miami Heat in the offseason, as part of the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade, that also brought Precious Achiuwa to Toronto.

But Dragic was clearly not happy with his fate, telling an overseas TV reporter,  “Toronto is not my preferred destination. I have higher ambitions." He later recanted that statement, and apologized to the Raptors and their fans.

But just a few weeks into the season, Dragic left the team for "personal reasons", and never returned. He's been seen working out in Miami, and attending Heat games.

Dragic is 35, and could still help a contender with some valuable bench minutes at the point guard spot. As recently as the 2020 playoffs, Dragic averaged 19.1 points and 4.4 assists, while knocking down over two 3-pointers per game.

He earns $19M, and is on the final year of his contract.

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