NBA Free Agency: Goran Dragic Opts Out Of Contract With Miami Heat

USA Today

The Miami Heat could be in for a long summer filled with uncertainty. Not only do the Heat have an unhappy superstar in Dwyane Wade who is asking for some long-term security, but the future of the franchise may be determined by the moves made in NBA free agency.

According to Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel, Goran Dragic has informed the team he’ll opt out of his contract:

Rade Filipovich, agent for Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic, confirmed Monday to the Sun Sentinel that his client will become a free agent on July 1.

Dragic had held an option for $7.5 million for 2015-16 from the Heat, but was considered a certainty to enter the free-agent market from the moment the Heat acquired him at the Feb. 19 NBA trading deadline from the Phoenix Suns.

Miami is one of three preferred destinations for Dragic in free agency. Before the Slovenian product was traded by Phoenix Suns to the Heat, Dragic named the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Heat has preferred landing spots.

With Dragic opting out of his deal with the Heat, Miami will have their work cut out for them to re-sign the veteran point guard this summer. The Knicks and Lakers will pursue Dragic in free agency making things difficult for the Heat.

Although New York and Los Angeles will come calling, Miami will still be a serious threat to bring him back. Dwyane Wade’s situation with the team may help determine the Slovenian’s future. If Wade demands a big payday, and all indications point to that fact, Dragic may lean heavily to signing with the Lakers or Knicks.

Miami is considered the front runner as of right now, but that may change in the coming months.