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Goran Dragic, G, Miami Heat
Goran Dragic is a name that Suns fans are very familiar with considering how he has played two separate stints in Phoenix, from 2008-11 and then again from 2012-14. While it wouldn’t be a long-term solution, the philosophy behind acquiring Dragic for this current Suns team would be to add a legitimate secondary offensive option to pair with Devin Booker.
Dragic is coming off a season with averages of 31.7 minutes, 17.3 points (45% FG, 37% 3P, 80.1% FT), 4.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.2 blocks, and 2.2 turnovers. He was an Eastern Conference All-Star last season and while he would not have made it in the Western Conference, being able to acquire an established talent of that kind would elevate them.
The Suns would be able to add a secondary perimeter scorer in Dragic, and that is not something that comes from many of their potential options. In addition to his scoring abilities, he would be another option that would provide a veteran ball-handling presence and direction to this young squad in addition to some facilitation as well.
It was a down year for Dragic in 2017-18 from a scoring efficiency standpoint, but his proven track record in a variety of critical areas like pick-and-roll ball handling, transition, isolation, and handoffs creates little concern. He has been an effective spot-up threat too but hasn’t been much of a threat as an off-screen shooter or cutter. Regardless, he should be an impactful fit alongside Booker.
While he is not a lockdown defender, Dragic is not a negative. However, the Suns may not be able to afford to have individual players who are just passable on defense alongside Booker and DeAndre Ayton. There is only so much that you can do when creating a lineup when key players are not proficient. We won’t know about Ayton until he hits the hardwood in the regular season, but there is expected to be at least a learning period.
It probably makes sense for Miami to trade Dragic because they are likely not going to be that competitive this season and they already have $120.2 in inclusive total dedicated to the 2019-20 season. They currently have only $57.2 million in spending for the 2020-21 season, but Dragic will be 34-years-old by that point.
The Suns probably should be careful not to give up too much in a hypothetical trade for Dragic. I say that because he has a player option worth $19.2 million after the upcoming season. It wouldn’t be worth acquiring Dragic as a long-term solution to the point guard position considering his age, so if the trade package required too much, then I’d try other options.
Next Up: Mike Conley, G, Memphis Grizzlies
