NBA News Wire
Suns trying to deal PG Dragic
The Phoenix Suns continue to discuss moving Goran Dragic before Thursday’s trade deadline after his agent informed the team that the All-Star point guard does not plan to re-sign this summer.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Suns are exploring all options to try to strike a deal before the 3 p.m. ET deadline to avoid losing Dragic in July without compensation.
USA Today reported Tuesday night that Dragic’s agent, Bill Duffy, informed the Suns that his client intends to sign elsewhere as a free agent this offseason.
According to ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are destinations at the top of Dragic’s wish list, with the Miami Heat also in the mix. But sources said that at least three teams Dragic does not have on the list of preferred landing spots furnished to the Suns — Houston, Sacramento and Boston — all remain interested in pursuing a trade for him before the deadline.
ESPN reported that the Celtics may be a contender for the 28-year-old Dragic, given the numerous future draft picks Boston president Danny Ainge has amassed in recent months.
Dragic is in his third season in Phoenix after leaving the Rockets in free agency in July 2012. He can become a free agent this offseason by declining a $7.5 million player option for 2015-16. Dragic is averaging 16.2 points and 4.1 assists this season.