Crowder, Dragic face decisions
Amid the emotions of a championship chase, and in the isolation of a quarantine bubble, the focus for three-plus months was a singular, all-in approach for the Miami Heat.
But even then, there was perspective of what would follow.
Soon, with the NBA to move on to free agency, will come time for decisions from Jae Crowder and Goran Dragic that will need to be made from the head as well as the heart.
For Crowder, who emerged as a Heat playoff starter and contributor on both ends of the floor, it is a particularly complex equation. At 30, the veteran forward would prefer to take the long view in his negotiations, at a time when the Heat are expected top refer offering one-year deals.
“Obviously, Iwant security,” he told the Sun Sentinel .“The league is an up-and-down league. You never know. I’ve been a part of trades, so I knowabout security.”
Only once in his career has Crowder had long-term security, the five-year, $35 million deal he signed with the Boston Celtics on July 27,2015 that now has reached
its expiration.
“That’s the best thing aboutmy contract last time, I had security in each place I went to,” he said of being dealt four times on that contract. “So, financially, I wasn’t worried about it. But right now, I’m able to focus on that and I’m able to have a say in what I feel like is out there for me.”
With the Heat holding Crowder’s Bird Rights and able to exceed the salary cap to retain him, there easily could be a raise on the $7.8 million he earned during the just-completed season. But there likely will be teams willing to start at the $9.3 million mid-level exception in multiyear deals that could exceed $30 million or even $40million.
“So I’m going to obviously give it thought on both sides — having security and my comfort with this organization,” he told the Sun Sentinel.
“So, hopefully, it all comes together from both sides. And that’s what I really want to do.
“But, at the same time, honestly, it’s business. So I’ll leave it at that.”
Then there is Dragic, who, at 34, is coming off the five year, $90 million contract he signed with the Heat on July 9, 2015, one that paid $19.2 million this past season.
Although his season was hampered at the finish by a torn plantar fascia in his left foot, an injury expected tobe healed by next season, the veteran point guard called it one of the most enjoyable of his career.
Like Crowder, he would like to stay. But, like Crowder, he could find himself limited to aone-year offer, as the Heat protect their position against the 2021-22 salary cap, when players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Victor Oladipo couldbe free agents.
“I want to be happy,” Dragic told the Sun Sentinel. “I’m at that stage ofmy career where it’s not only about me. It’s about my family, my kids, my wife. I do have to admit, I’m really happy.”
In that respect, Dragic holds a unique advantage in his situation. If he signs a one-year contract, hewould receive the right to veto any trade in 2020-21.
Also, because of his tenure in the league and with the
Heat, he is eligible for a no-trade clause.
“We don’t knowwhat the future holds with this virus and everything and when the league is going to start,” he said.
“There’s still a lot of uncertainly in the future.”
Beyond Crowder and Dragic, teammates Derrick Jones Jr., Meyers Leonard, Solomon Hill and Udonis Haslem also will be unrestricted free agents. None, however, played significant postseason roles. Out of the Heat’s 1,018 playoff minutes, Jones played 97, Hill 42, Leonard 31 and Haslem none. Crowder, by contrast, played 660, Dragic, even with his four-game NBA Finals absence, 553.
That’s where the priority rests, even as the Heat likely will be looking to take it one season at a time.
“It was something that I’m going to cherish for the rest of my life,” Dragic said of the Heat playoff run, “and, you know, can’t wait to get back.”
Similarly, Crowder said the heart is telling him Heat.
“It’s a great groupof guys, great organization to be a part of,” he said, “and hopefully we can work something out.”