Dallas Mavericks trade talk: Is this the year for Goran Dragic?

Since the day the Dallas Mavericks selected Luka Doncic in the NBA Draft, fellow Slovenian Goran Dragic has been linked to the Mavs. The countryman and friend of Dallas’ superstar, wouldn’t just be a good companion and locker room presence, but also an important part of the Mavs offense.

Last season Dragic averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 assists and was a key part of the Miami offense. It’s unknown if Miami will pick up his $19.4 million option but it’s largely expected given his value around the league and fairly important role on the team.

This could be the year the Dallas Mavericks finally get to add Goran Dragic to the roster.

If Miami declines his option, Dallas would be a favorite to sign him. If Miami picks it up with the intention of trading him, Dallas again would likely be considered frontrunners for him.

Dragic comes with risk which is why he’s potentially available in the first place. He’s 35-years-old and has missed time in each of the last three seasons. But the former All-Star has been highly effective when healthy, and would be an efficient addition to the Dallas Mavericks roster as long as they accept his availably status and plan for load management.

Given the risk factors, Dragic wouldn’t require a significant commitment. He’s well aware his career is in the 11th hour and if he comes to Dallas as a free agent, he’d likely accept a one or two-year deal. If traded, he’ll play on his option year, which would also be the last of his deal.

A career 36.4 percent three-point shooter, Dragic would stretch the floor alongside Doncic. He’d be a secondary ball handler who could create on his own – something the Dallas Mavericks desperately need.

Goran Dragic wouldn’t offer much in the way of defense so new Mavs coach Jason Kidd would need to keep that in mind when building lineups. But he’d be a smart guard that Luka would work well with and Kidd could build the offense around both stars.