The Phoenix Suns are exploring a Goran Dragic trade at the deadline this season and teams like the LA Lakers, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings and NY Knicks have emerged as potential destinations, as the point guard has said he will not sign an extension in free agency with the team and that could spark his exit by Thursday.
Dragic was always considered one of the top trade targets on the market, but until this week it was not totally clear whether the Suns would try to trade him or not. All of that is on the table now, as USA Today reported that Dragic informed the team that he would not be signing an extension this summer. That news paved the way for GM Ryan McDonagh to start looking at deals and Dragic's agent said he gave the team a list of names where Dragic would like to go.
ESPN.com reports that the Knicks, Lakers and Miami Heat were teams on that list, while Marc Stein reports that the Boston Celtics and Kings could be outside shots for Dragic. The Houston Rockets have been interested in Dragic and he said he would consider the team in free agency after previously playing there. Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports reports that the Kings could be willing to part ways with Jason Thompson and Nik Stauskas to help get enough space for Dragic.
Spears writes that the Kings could try and offer him a max deal this summer, which is what the Lakers are hoping to do. Pro Basketball Talk reports that the Lakers are looking to deal for Dragic now in the hopes of signing him as a free agent this summer. Dragic has an option that no one expects him to pick up and once he is on the market, the Lakers are planning to offer a deal of four years and at least $80 million. The Suns can offer more, but right now it looks like Dragic is not considering signing back with the team.
Reports have Dragic not too pleased with the three guard system this season, as the Suns have Dragic, Isaiah Thomas and Eric Bledsoe all on the roster. Dragic had career numbers last season playing with Bledsoe, averaging 20 points and six assists per game while winning the most improved player award but Dragic's numbers are a bit down this season. Dragic is averaging 16 points and four assists and some have pointed to the style of play for the Suns as the main reason why.
ESPN.com reports that Dragic wants to be able to run a team more as a point guard and that is one reason why he wants out. Dragic is a main target for the Lakers and they see him as an option if they can't sign Rajon Rondo this summer. The Lakers are expected to have a ton of salary cap space and they are trying to hang onto their first round pick this year, as they previously made a deal with the Suns that is partially protected. The team wants to get Dragic, but they also want to be in the lottery, as they lose the pick to the Suns if it is past the top five for 2015.
