NBA Free Agency 2019: 6 biggest player option decisions

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 03: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat in action against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Arena on April 03, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Goran Dragic, Miami Heat

2019-20 option: $19.2 million

In late April, Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic told reporters he had yet to decide whether he’d decline his $19.2 million player option.

“I didn’t think about it,” he said. “… I had a meeting with [team president] Pat [Riley] and that was it. I told him I’m going to make my decision when that comes. So I still need to talk to the family, the agent.”

A few weeks later, “an associate of Dragic” told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that he would be “very surprised” if Dragic opts out. The 33-year-old “very much likes playing for the Heat” and feels as though “it’s a good situation for him,” but he’s leaving his options open in case a “championship contender or another appealing team hint[s] to him or his associates, through back-channels, that he should opt out and that a rich multiyear contract awaits,” according to Jackson.

Teams cannot talk to pending free agents or players under contract until June 30, but “it’s common for messages to be discreetly delivered in general terms,” per Jackson. Considering how many teams project to have significant salary-cap space this summer, Dragic might be able to land a hefty long-term deal from a desperate suitor that struck out on its top targets.

If Dragic opts out, he’d be one of the most enticing free-agent point guards, trailing perhaps only Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker and D’Angelo Russell (restricted). He’s coming off an injury-ravaged season in which he averaged only 13.7 points on 41.3 percent shooting, 4.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 triples in 27.5 minutes across 36 games, but he’s also just one year removed from his first-ever All-Star nod.

Miami might dangle Dragic as trade bait if he does opt in, which should further factor into his decision-making process. Although he might not be able to land a $20 million annual salary on a new deal, he may prefer to sign one more long-term contract this summer before Father Time further depreciates his value.

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