The NBA trade deadline was the most active in the history of the league as there were numerous trades involving plenty of names. One of the biggest to be moved was point guard Goran Dragic who was traded to the Miami Heat.
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The Los Angeles Lakers had a strong interest in acquiring Dragic, but ultimately did not have the assets to pull off a deal. Despite missing out now, the Lakers could still be a preferred destination of Dragic when he hits free agency this summer according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:
A person familiar with Dragic’s thinking said he “loves the opportunity” to join the Lakers and sees them as a “perfect fit” when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The addition of Dragic to the Heat is a major one and many believe it could catapult the Heat in the conversation of Eastern Conference favorites. Dragic is looking, however, for an opportunity to have control and play in an open offense and there is no guarantee it works out in Miami.
The Lakers will still be able to offer Dragic a maximum contract should the choose to in free agency at around $80 million for four years. The possibility of adding Dragic to Kobe Bryant, a returning Julius Randle, and a potential top-5 pick in the upcoming draft would have the potential to quickly turn things around for a Lakers team on pace for their worst season in the history of the franchise.
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