Goran Dragic has to walk away from $7.5 million, if he wants to sign a new deal for $80 million plus.
In a move that’s been expected, Dragic will opt out of his contract and become a free agent on July 1, according to Ira Winderman.
He’s stated several times since arriving from Phoenix in a three-player deal, that he wanted to re-sign with the Miami Heat. Dragic could get swept off his feet by a deal from a team with a more attractive future or contract offer.
Heat President Pat Riley said after the Heat finished out of the playoffs for the first time in seven years the he was confident of retaining Dragic this offseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are expected to attempt to make free-agency overtures to Goran Dragic, with the Heat hopeful of a quick resolution of the guard’s status.
Based on the math, it could be a relatively simple decision, one that could weigh $30 million in the Heat’s favor, should the Heat offer a maximum package, which is not necessarily expected.
The Heat can offer Dragic a five-year, $115 million contract, but that’s unlikely to happen. The talented point guard could get $86 million from the Lakers or Knicks looking to make a big splash.