The Lakers, meanwhile, also have coveted Dragic for some time and likewise are said to be intent on testing the Suns’ resolve when it comes to their Slovenian point guard. Sources say L.A. plans to chase Dragic this summer anyway with an aggressive four-year offer that would be valued as high as an estimated $80 million if it approaches max-contract territory.
Other suitors for Dragic are sure to emerge, too, even though the Suns’ first choice is believed to be pursuing other trades that balance out their guard- and wing-heavy roster and re-establish Dragic as more of an offensive focal point.
The article also reiterates Houston’s interest in the Suns point guard, as reported first yesterday. Though the Lakers mention is interesting. I don’t know why they’d desire to offer the 30-year-old a rich max offer, though I guess they haven’t had much luck getting anyone to go over there of late. In any case, L.A.’s interest is fortunate, as without a viable threat to lose him outright in the summer, the Suns might not have been willing to trade.
I have a difficult time seeing other suitors emerging because, as I noted yesterday, what team would want Dragic? Only a contender would be willing to trade real assets for a potential rental, and all of the contenders already employ All-Star caliber point guards. I suppose there is the possibility of a rebuilding team such as maybe Boston hoping to keep Dragic long term. But that would be odd given his age. For now, it’s a pretty terrible market for Phoenix and I’d have to think the Rockets have the strongest odds to land the Slovenian.
A couple of things: I’ve seen several of you mention or ask me whether I’d trade Motiejunas in such a deal, a question in response to which I must simply shake my head. I don’t mean to overvalue him, but D-Mo absolutely is more valuable than the New Orleans Pelicans draft pick which Houston possesses. Don’t agree? Try finding a two-way 7-footer with post-up ability at #12-14 in the draft. It took D-Mo himself three years to reach where he is right now. I’d have to think that in Dragic discussions, everyone but Howard, Harden, Motiejunas, and Ariza (and of course Smith) is available.
Lastly, regarding fit: it is true that while not the potentially catastrophic pairing which Harden-Rondo would have been, Dragic-Harden is not the ideal fit. In a perfect world, Harden’s backcourt mate would have clamps defensively, elite shooting ability, and some ability to create for himself. But the fact that this is not the ideal fit is not reason enough to pass up the opportunity. Houston desperately needs an upgrade at the position, a second ball-handler, and a third option in general, and time is running out. Daryl Morey can’t sit around and wait for “the perfect fit” with Dwight Howard’s window closing rapidly (if it already hasn’t), especially in a year when the team may have the league MVP. If the Rockets can get Goran, they absolutely have to roll the dice.
