NBA Rumors: Dragic, Heat Have Mutual Interest But With Limits

Goran Dragic is out of contract but his future appears to still be with the Miami Heat. The Slovenian and the South Beach squad have a mutual interest in reuniting for next season although there will be major tweaks in his next pact.

Dragic is 34-years-old and one of the few players who can still do damage if given the chance. But the hindrance there is that he has now been injury-prone, yet another concern that may factor in his next contract. The best to expect is a short-term deal, probably with a maximum tenure of two-years. As far as the amount he will get, he would be lucky to have at least a mid-level pay grade.

Regardless of the details, the important thing is that the Heat are interested in bringing back Dragic, The Athletic reported. Last summer, most probably heard about plans to trade away the Slovenian together with other veterans who carried a hefty salary but underperformed. As far as Dragic is concerned, he showed his importance to the team.

Dragic may try to check the free-agent market but getting a good contract holds no promises. Most teams are going after younger guards. Veterans are also sought but to act as backups to the youngsters. As far as playing time is concerned, Dragic may not be getting the same minutes he has been getting past years.

In the playoffs, Dragic was used extensively. He averaged 32.5 minutes per game and normed 19.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per NBA.com. However, most also know he suffered that foot injury in game 1 of the NBA Finals. He was only able to (forcibly) return in game 6 but was hardly a factor for the Heat.

For now, all Dragic can do is rest. He did air his preference to stay with the Heat in a report from Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press. Further, the fact that he is Jimmy Butler's favorite teammate should help convince team president Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra to re-sign the Slovenian hotshot.

“Man, me and G talk about all types of stuff,” Butler said. “We send each other all types of things that we find on the internet. I don’t know, man. I was talking to [Heat assistant athletic trainer Armando Rivas] the other day, like G is moving up on my all-time favorite teammates list.”