Goran Dragic is reportedly open to the Heat trading him, and they’re reportedly looking into it.
File this under: What else is he supposed to say?
If it’s the truth, it’s the truth.
If it’s not the truth, Dragic knows it can be awkward to play with someone teammates think wanted to be traded. Better just to deny until a trade happens. Then, they’re not your teammates anymore.
Remember, Dragic admitted to lying to force at trade from the Suns.
Besides, this isn’t totally up to Dragic. The Heat don’t need his consent to trade him. They’re 10-20, and he’s on the wrong side of 30 and owed more than $54 million over the next three years. It might make more sense to deal him while he’s still productive. Miami could get long-term assets that will be more valuable once the team is ready to win.
So, take Dragic’s denial for what it’s worth – something, but not everything, and not the Heat’s denial.