Goran Dragic moves from the Spurs to the Nets in buyout deal
After a buy out, Goran Dragic moved from the Spurs to the title hunting Brooklyn Nets. Do they need him? Will he play? Let's take a look at the details.
The Nets continue to make shrewd moves in the trade market as they attempt to build a super team capable of challenging for a title.
Goran Dragic joins the Brooklyn Nets
According to reports, Goran Dragic has signed with the Brooklyn Nets after securing a buyout from the San Antonio Spurs. Having played for the Toronto Raptors earlier in the season, Dragic had been traded from Miami in a deal that involved Kyle Lowry. Unfortunately it didn't take long before it was quite obvious that neither side was interested in a long term agreement. In the end Dragic only played in five games for the raptors Raptor before leaving the team for personal reasons. The former Most Improved Player then found his way to San Antonio on trade deadline day (February 10th), but as is now clear, the Spurs seemingly had no need for his skill set. With that Dragic will now join a team that is not only a title contender, but one that is actually in need of his specific skill set.
Where are the Brooklyn Nets at?
When it comes to ball carrying, the Nets entered this season with a surplus. Between James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Patty Mills, one could be forgiven for asking where Dragic will fit in, however, with the complicated situation surrounding Kyrie Irving and the vaccine mandate which has directly affected his availability, there is definitely room. That of course is before we even consider the idea that Harden was actually just traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Yes, it's true, Ben Simmons arrived in exchange for Harden and he is in fact a ball handler, but not one who caters to the half court game. That's to say Dragic will get opportunities.
With the Slovenian's arrival, the Nets have definitely gained a degree of security as they will need to cover both Irving's absence and Simmons' propensity for problematic behavior. It should also be said that just two seasons ago Dragic was averaging more than 19 points per game. Though he is now 35 and will likely not play extensively, he is without doubt a reliable shot-creator, which Kevin Durant co. will definitely benefit from as they try to win it all.
Why would Dragic come to Brooklyn?
Where Brooklyn is concerned, it should be fairly easy to spot the two main reasons why Dragic would have agreed to a deal. Firstly there is the question of title contention. Brooklyn are without doubt one of the favorites to win an NBA Championship this season. Dragic has of course played in the Finals, but he is yet to win the whole thing. In light of that, one has to consider that this is a prime opportunity for Dragic to increase his market value. As for the second reason, it's quite simply a matter of minutes. There is realistically no other team that can offer Dragic the kind of time on court that he will be likely to receive in Brooklyn due to Irving's ongoing vaccine stand off.
Either way you cut it one thing is clear, Dragic could have moved anywhere as he was most definitely one of the most sought after players in the buy out market. That he chose the Nets must mean that some kind of assurances were given in terms of the role he will play with them. Watch this space!