Star Point Guard Goran Dragic to Be Offered Max Deal, Says Miami Heat President Riley
Last season, the Miami Heat acquired brothers Goran and Zoran Dragic before the trade deadline, and while the team did not make it to the playoffs, Dragic played great music with Dwyane Wade and almost brought them to the post-season.
The goal now for the South Beach-based squad is to retain Dragic, and acquire other notable players from the free agency pool.
In a report, the Slovenian point guard allowed his opt-in deadline to expire this past week, which led to speculations that he is planning to test free agency waters this off-season.
However, as far as Heat President Pat Riley is concerned, he is confident that he will be able to provide a solution to the detail. The report cites some NBA rules stating that the team where a player played by the end of the season can offer that player a max contract, which is five years.
In contrast, all the other teams that are interested in the said player can only offer a four-year contract. That is definitely a big plus for someone who wants to play longer in the NBA, as well as ensure that he will be playing at the starting position and at long minutes.
Aside from Dragic, the Heat organisation is expecting Wade and wingman Duol Deng to opt-in before Monday night. That way, the Heat will be ready to rebuild using other free agents, as well as hone the young stars they have on the team.