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Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Summary
Dragic looked like he was on the decline, as he spent the majority of the '18-'19 season injured, and lost the starting point guard position to Kendrick Nunn during the '19-'20 regular season. Dragic was looking less like an above-average starting point guard and more like a low-end starter or high-end backup. Dragic completely turned his season around with his play in the 2020 playoffs, where he looked like an All-Star. He showed his shot-making and creation skills, showing he can score at multiple levels.
However, Dragic came back down to earth a bit this past season, but the Heat were still much better with him on the court than when he was off. Dragic will be 35 this summer, so teams may still be hesitant to give him a long-term contract, but he could be a real difference-maker for a contending team. He could also play a role as a short-term answer at point-guard for a young team that feels like having a solid point guard could help their other players develop. The Knicks and Bulls could fit this category.
Cap Considerations
Dragic has a $19.4 million team option for 2021-2022, and if the Heat decline that option he will be an unrestricted free agent with a $27 million cap hold and full Bird rights. Since the 2021 free agent class is now looking less strong, there's a better chance the Heat decide to remain over the cap and bring back most of their team, rather than use cap space. However, with Bam Adebayo's max extension kicking in and Duncan Robinson set to get a big raise, the luxury tax could become a concern for Miami.
If the Heat opt in on Dragic or re-sign him, it could cost them a lot in luxury tax penalties depending on what happens with their other free agents. Therefore, other teams will have a legitimate shot at signing Dragic away from Miami without having to make him a huge offer.
If Dragic demands a starting salary of more than the full $9.5 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, only teams with cap space will be able to sign him, unless a sign-and-trade is worked out. It is possible that Dragic could be had for the full MLE.
Potential Teams: 76ers, Heat, Lakers, Knicks, Bulls
Predicted Contract: 2-year, $19.5 million with the 76ers
Actual Contract: Opt In: $19.4 million
Miami picked up the team option on Dragic in order to facilitate the Kyle Lowry trade, which likely gifted Dragic some more money (at least in the short term).
Last updated: 8/17/2021
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