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The Los Angeles Lakers are one of Goran Dragic's preferred trade destinations as the Phoenix Suns prepare for the trade deadline. Dragic's representatives informed the Suns he will not re-sign with the team in the summer, reports Sam Amick of USA Today. This adds fuel to the fire to the trade rumors that have involved both Phoenix and Los Angeles heading into All-Star weekend.
Dragic's preferred destinations are the Lakers, Knicks or Heat, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. The Lakers have been tied to Dragic trade rumors, and also recently were linked to big man Miles Plumlee. The trade deadline is Feb. 19, and the Suns are now in a race against time to find the best trade available for their team.
What's known is the Suns want to add frontcourt depth, and the trade asset they'll likely be moving is Dragic -- not Isaiah Thomas. Beyond that it's unclear what kind of trade packages the Heat, Lakers or Knicks will offer to land the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. Dragic is currently making $7.5 million, with another $7.5 million team option (per ShamSports) he's expected to opt out of prior to signing an extension in the summer. Any team interested in Dragic -- and on Dragic's "list" -- will also have interest in retaining their assets and waiting until free agency for a chance to sign him outright.
Acquiring Dragic also means acquiring his Bird rights, allowing for a five-year contract. The trade deadline has been quiet, but the Suns are lining up at least a few fireworks before the looming deadline.