Goran Dragic, Chicago Bulls. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Goran Dragic was expected to be a buyout candidate after being traded to the Spurs. Now that he’s a free agent, these NBA teams could be great fits.
The NBA Trade Deadline was exceptionally busy, punctuated with blockbuster deals such as James Harden and Ben Simmons being swapped for one another, Tyrese Haliburton going to the Pacers for Damontas Sabonis, and several other big deals. More under the radar, however, was a trade between the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs that sent veteran guard Goran Dragic to the latter franchise.
Dragic was essentially bumped off the Miami Heat roster this offseason by way of a team option to make way for Kyle Lowry. He wanted to play for a contender and his time with the Raptors was ill-fated due to that. Dragic played in only five games before stepping away due to a personal matter.
But after the trade to San Antonio, the Spurs are paving the way for Dragic to get his wish as, according to multiple reports, his contract will be bought out, making him a free agent.
So if Dragic wants a shot to play with a contender and to get on the floor, there are a bevy of options. These three potential destinations, however, would be ideal for both the team and the player in this situation.
Goran Dragic destinations: 3 teams that can offer veteran minutes, shot at a ring
3. Chicago Bulls
It’s been a remarkably impressive season for the Chicago Bulls thus far as they sit as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference just 0.5 games back from the Heat. Even more impressive, they’ve done this with their elite guar rotation lessened due to injuries.
Part of the reason that the Bulls have remained successful without Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso of late has been the quick emergence of rookie Ayo Dosunmu. He’s been a revelation for this team. But the issue that has arisen has been the lack of a proverbial “true point guard” deep in the rotation. Chicago has been forced to turn to Matt Thomas far more often than fans would like.
Dragic would solve that problem as a rotational weapon to deploy with Coby White, allowing the former first-round pick to move to more of an off-ball role where he is better set up to thrive. Dragic’s role in Chicago is clear and their success this season would fit the bill for what the veteran is looking for in a potential suitor.