Report: Goran Dragic still interested in playing for Lakers
Feb 21, 2015, 2:20 AM | Updated: 2:37 am
Before the Phoenix Suns traded him Thursday, Goran Dragic reportedly listed the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers as teams he’d like to play for.
The Suns seemingly granted Dragic his wish by trading him to the Heat on Thursday — but according to a Friday report, he may be more inclined to play for the Lakers in the long term.
On Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Daily News’ Mark Medina said the Lakers are appealing to Dragic, even though the Heat are in a better position to offer him a longer contract.
A person familiar with Dragic’s thinking said he “loves the opportunity” to join the Lakers and sees them as a “perfect fit” when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. But the Heat can sign Dragic a five-year deal worth up to $100 million, while other teams can offer up to a four-year deal worth $80 million.
The Suns traded Dragic and his brother, Zoran, to the Heat on Thursday for a pair of future first-round draft picks after the point guard told the Suns he would not re-sign with the team at the end of the season.
Dragic will have the option to opt out of the final year of his his four-year, $30 million deal at the end of the season.
