Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic has insisted that although he will become a free agent this summer, his intention is to stay with the franchise.
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The Heat’s playoff chances are looking slim with just two games remaining this season, as Dragic’s arrival ahead of the trade deadline back in February hasn’t had the desired effect for the team.
While Dwyane Wade has been impressive this year, the Heat lost center Chris Bosh for the rest of the season shortly after the All-Star break after he developed blood clots in his lung.
That certainly had an impact on the team, and despite their struggle to make the post-season this year, Dragic appears adamant that his first choice will be to stay in Miami.
“I’m a free agent but I like this organisation. I hope to stay here,” he is quoted as saying by the Miami Herald.
After giving up two first-round picks to sign the former Phoenix Suns star, the Heat will likely have to offer him a max deal to ensure that he stays with them beyond the summer.
With the salary cap increase coming next year, that shouldn’t be much of a problem but it will limit them moving forward having so much money tied up in the likes of Dragic, Bosh and Hassan Whiteside in 2016.
It is unclear as to which free agents Miami will be targeting in the coming years, but that will have to be considered in their strategy when discussing a new deal with their Slovenian point guard.
However, the more immediate concern will be about how they can sneak into the playoffs, as with just two games remaining they need both the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers to drop games and to win their own.
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