Phoenix Suns Trade Rumors: Boston Celtics Emerge As Dark Horse Candidate For Goran Dragic
The Phoenix Suns trade rumors are kicking into high gear after guard Goran Dragic told the Sun’s management he doesn’t intend to return to the team. This latest news has led to a new dark horse candidate emerging as a potential destination.
Just a week ago, the Suns had taken Dragic off the trade block and moved forward with plans to sign the guard to a long-term deal, but this week Dragic told the Suns that he has no intention to sign with them when he becomes a free agent.
The Suns are now expected to move Dragic by the trade deadline, and he already has a number of suitors. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are both considered top candidates and are high on Dragic’s list, but one team outside his small group of preferred teams are said to be in the running — the Boston Celtics.
As ESPN noted, the Celtics could have a lot to offer.
“Sources say that the Celtics, in particular, are emerging as a dark-horse contender for Dragic, given the numerous future draft picks Boston president Danny Ainge has amassed in recent months to offer Phoenix as well as his strong relationship with Suns general manager Ryan McDonough. Boston and Phoenix have already completed one trade this season, with Ainge dealing center Brandan Wright to the Suns last month.”
But even without a trade, the future looks bright for Goran Dragic, who is set for a big payday after this season ends.
If no trade materializes, Dragic would head to free agency seeking a four-year max from Lakers or Knicks that could reach $80 million range
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2015
Dragic is coming down from a career year last season, when he had 20.3 points and 5.9 assists per game. This season he is averaging 16.2 points and 4.1 assists, and has seen Eric Bledsoe take a larger role. The Suns even signed Goran’s brother Zoran in an attempt to make him feel more at home, but the rookie Zoran hasn’t been able to find a role on the team.
The Phoenix Suns don’t have much more time for the trade rumors surrounding Goran Dragic to materialize into an actual deal. The trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET
[Image by Christian Petersen/Getty Images]
