Heat's Dragic confirms he will opt out, Wade opting in
It comes as no surprise, but Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic told reporters Friday that he will utilize his player option and become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Dragic, speaking at Heat exit interviews, reiterated his desire to return to Miami but in the spirit of free agent business, added the "time will tell" caveat.
"I like this organization, this basketball style," the 28-year-old Slovenian said, and added that it is unlikely he will participate in any national team duty this summer with free agency at the forefront.
Dragic, one of the coveted free agent prizes this summer, is sure to garner interest from several teams. Turning down his $7.5-million player option is logical, considering the payday he will reap as a UFA. As holder of his Bird Rights, the Heat can offer a fifth year that other teams cannot.
Dragic indicated that was "pretty big" on Friday, seeing as the Heat were one of his preferred trade destinations when the Phoenix Suns dealt him in February.
Dragic said Friday he is comfortable with the Heat's style, and agrees with coach Erik Spoelstra's desire to speed up the offensive tempo.
Dragic says he likes Heat and their style. Says he wants to play faster. Spo wants same.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 17, 2015
He added that he doesn't mind playing minutes at the off-guard spot when Dwyane Wade acts as the primary ballhandler. Dragic averaged 16.6 points and 5.3 assists on 50.2 percent shooting in 26 games with the Heat, but never got an opportunity to play with Chris Bosh, who missed the last 30 games of the season due to blood clots in his lungs.
Meanwhile, Wade said Friday he plans on picking up his $16-million player option for next season, also to nobody's surprise. The 33-year-old Heat lifer, though, seemed to have a sense of urgency going into the offseason.
"This is different," Wade said. "This is a different summer."