Nets rumors: 4 buyout candidates Brooklyn should consider signing
1: Goran Dragic
If Brooklyn can only sign one player on the buyout market, it needs to be Goran Dragic. The guard was traded from the Raptors to the Spurs on Feb. 10.
On Feb. 15, San Antonio waived the 35-year-old point guard and opened up the door for him to enter free agency.
Dragic played in five games for Toronto this year and averaged eight points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over that time frame. He stepped away from the team on Nov. 13 to deal with a “personal matter” and the Raptors began to try to find a trade partner for the 14-year veteran.
In his last full season in 2020-21, he averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 50 games with the Heat. He shot 43.2% from the field and 37.3% from the 3-point line.
Unless Irving’s allowed to play in games at Barclays, Dragic can come off the bench in road games and possibly start in games played at home. His ability to orchestrate pick-and-rolls would help to make up for James Harden’s absence. Not to mention, adding another shooter to the roster is never a bad idea.
Since Dragic became eligible to sign elsewhere on Tuesday, teams have lined up to make a push for the Slovenian. Because Pat Connaughton fractured his hand and underwent surgery, the Bucks are in the front of the pack to sign Dragic, as is Luka Doncic and the Mavericks.
If Dragic teams up with Giannis Antetokounmpo, that’d be a tough blow for the Nets. Milwaukee acquired one of Brooklyn’s original targets in Serge Ibaka and recently signed Bembry.
The Nets need to act now.
