Goran Dragic ‘Would Welcome’ A Return To Heat

Goran Dragic is open to playing for the Miami Heat again, according to NBA insider Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Dragic has played in 391 games with the Heat. The veteran is currently an unrestricted free agent.

“There have been conversations between the Heat and the representation for free agent guard Goran Dragic, who would welcome a return to the team,” Jackson wrote. “Any Heat decision on Dragic likely would come later in the summer.”

Dragic played for the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks last season. He appeared in 58 games and averaged 6.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 42.1% from the field, 35.9% from beyond the arc and 68.9% from the free-throw line.

The 37-year-old Dragic has career averages of 13.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 946 games with the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Heat, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Bulls and Bucks. He has made one All-Star team and one All-NBA team. Dragic also won the 2013-14 Most Improved Player of the Year Award with the Suns.

The Heat lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals in five games. Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard has requested a trade to Miami, but the Blazers and Heat haven’t made any progress on a Lillard trade.

It’s going to be fascinating to see if the Heat are able to land Lillard, who averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season. As Jackson noted, Dragic — assuming he doesn’t retire — will likely find a new NBA home later in the summer. The lefty will probably sign a veteran’s minimum contract.