Goran Dragic could be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo : Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Miami Heat are team looking for identity after losing Dwyane Wade and possibly Chris Bosh in the same summer. As the 2016-17 season progresses, the more trade rumors are expected to surface. Some are legit, while some are plain rumors.
However, with regards to Goran Dragic's status, the Heat are expected to be extra cautious in handling this matter.
Dragic, who signed a 5-year, $90M extension in 2015, thought he was going to be part of a championship contender after the Heat traded for him to be the playmaker for Wade, Bosh and vastly improving Hassan Whiteside.
However, things didn't end up as planned with Bosh struggling with his blood clotting problem and Wade bolting to Chicago after contract dispute with Heat management. Hassan Whiteside re-signed with the Heat on a max deal this summer, but the team's overall roster makeup is far from being considered championship caliber.
This week, Dragic finds himself at the center of trade rumors after his interview with NBA.com writer David Aldridge stirred quite a buzz.
The Slovenian's message appears to be disappointment with the Heat's current state, although he immediately downplayed such notion as he stressed that remains committed with the Heat organization.
Still, the idea of Dragic switching uniform during the season isn't far-fetched. As a matter of fact, Sun Sentinel writer Ira Winderman previously explored such possibility at the height of free-agency season.
Winderman believes trading Dragic to the Philadelphia 76ers for Jahlil Okafor is feasible financially since the Sixers has enough room to absorb huge contract. However, he believes acquiring believes ditching away Dragic would create holes in the backcourt while Okafor starting alongside another interior player in Whiteside doesn't make sense spacing-wise.
On the other hand, Tyler Johnson's improvement as a playmaker would be critical for the Heat moving forward, especially in decisions regarding Dragic's future. Moreover, it's still early in Okafor's career for him to re-modify his playing style. Other than his inability to knock down jumpers and FT consistently, Okafor is talented a frontline player with incredible upside.
The Heat have until February trade deadline to decide if Dragic is a keeper or not, though a trade is very likely especially if Heat falters midway into the season.
