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5 Teams That Could Target Goran Dragic Before 2015 NBA Trade Deadline

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By @MichaelTerrill

5 Teams That Could Target Goran Dragic Before 2015 NBA Trade Deadline

Goran Dragic
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Guard Goran Dragic has informed the Phoenix Suns he has no interest in re-signing with them in the offseason, which means the organization has no reason to keep him prior to the 2015 NBA trade deadline. The Suns were confident they would be able to retain the soon-to-be free agent, but the recent news means they will deal him to the highest bidder. These five teams are the likeliest to target Dragic prior to Thursday’s deadline.

5. Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers
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5. Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers
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Despite the Indiana Pacers being the clear long shot to sign Dragic among the five teams listed, their need for a point guard makes them a contender to acquire him. Even though they are well outside the limits for a playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, the combination of Paul George’s return and other talents on the roster should allow them to easily maneuver their way up the standings. Adding Dragic would only improve their odds.

4. Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets
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4. Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets
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I was convinced the Houston Rockets would be the team that acquired Dragic at the deadline. Everything lines up correctly for it to be an excellent deal. Unfortunately, Dragic is worried that the Rockets may trade him at some point down the road, which is something he wants to avoid at all costs. Therefore, sources indicated Dragic wouldn’t sign a long-term deal with Houston, and that means the Rockets won’t give up top-notch assets to get him.

3. Miami Heat

Miami Heat
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3. Miami Heat

Miami Heat
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Shockingly, the Miami Heat, a team that has fallen far from the top of the mountain since the departure of LeBron James, is high on Dragic’s list of preferred tradable teams. The problem is the Heat doesn’t exactly have viable pieces to deal for Dragic, which means the Suns would be hesitant to trade him to Miami. Still, the Heat could really use a guard of Dragic’s talent, especially with the uncertainty of Dwyane Wade’s health.

2. New York Knicks

New York Knicks
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2. New York Knicks

New York Knicks
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It would be surprising if the New York Knicks dealt for Dragic at the deadline because they don’t have the immediate need or necessary assets to make a trade happen. With that said, Dragic is reportedly very interested in playing for the Knicks. More importantly, New York would inherit his Larry Bird rights and the ability to sign him to a five-year contract in the summer. He could be the addition that turns the franchise around.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers
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1. Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers
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At this point, a solid assumption is that the Los Angeles Lakers will be the team to land Dragic at the trade deadline. They have been linked to him for weeks and are in clear need of his services. The Lakers believe Dragic is a critical piece to their rebuilding process. That is why they will make the most lucrative offer of any other team to acquire him. More importantly, Los Angeles can give him the keys to the castle, which is what he wants.

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