NBA: Failed Goran Dragic Trade A Result Of Miscommunication, Mavericks Owner Says

In the NBA, it has happened on several occasions that deals went astray because some miscommunication happened along the way. And it appears this is what happened to the case of Goran Dragic of the Miami Heat, a deal that failed to materialize back in June.

Dragic is one of four players who own a hefty contract and while he did opt in the final year of his deal with the Heat, most were expecting him to be dealt away. That almost happened, according to Tim Cato of The Athletic, citing multiple sources. However, the Mavericks withdrew its intent as it wanted to keep its options open for further moves.

That sudden pullout by the Mavs left the Heat scrambling for other options as they looked for a new trade partner. Until recently, the mix-up hardly explained the sudden change of heart of the Mavericks. Mark Cuban sent an email to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald to set things straight.

“As far as we can tell, it was just miscommunication,” Cuban reportedly said in that email.

Further, Cuban explained that there was nothing malicious about the botched trade involving Dragic. He added that both the Mavs and the Heat are going great despite their past rivalry. The Mavericks and the Heat met twice in the NBA Finals. The first one was in 2006 where the Heat won the crown and then in 2011 where the Mavs copped their first and only title.

With Cuban clearing the air, it will be interesting how the two teams will fare this 2019-20 NBA season. The Mavericks will be bannered by sophomore Luka Doncic and prized acquisition Kristaps Porzingis. A new face in the mix is Boban Marjanovic, a 7-foot-3 Serbian that makes the Mavs a darkhorse for the coming NBA season.

On the other end, the Heat will be leaning on Jimmy Butler to lead the charge. Aside from Dragic, still around are James Johnson and Dion Waiters, players who own hefty deals but could still be moved at some point from here to the 2019-20 NBA season.

Of the Heat and the Mavs, the latter seems better prepared for the coming season with most top stars settled in. Miami will have to make do with what it has right now and do the necessary tweaks once sensible trade deals are on the table.