KEY POINTS

  • Goran Dragic draws the ire of Raptors fans for training at the Miami Heat facility
  • Dragic allegedly wants to return to Miami, but such a move will be complicated
  • The Raptors are most likely to buy out Dragic, who remains on leave due to personal reasons

Goran Dragic appears to be back to square one as far as his relationship with Toronto Raptors fans.

The 35-year-old guard is currently on leave due to personal reasons--details of which remain unknown.

Regardless, Dragic is making sure that he stays in shape and the manner of doing so has gained controversy.

The Slovenian guard posted a video on social media showing him hoisting some shots with the aid of a trainer at an empty court at the Miami Heat facility.

The said video has since been deleted, but some outlets were able to capture the footage.

It seems pretty clear that Dragic prefers to still play in Miami.

Aside from the clip he posted, the All-Star guard was also spotted in attendance when the Heat won over the Washington Wizards last Tuesday, December 28 at the FTX Arena.

Some fans have called on the Raptors to just buy Dragic out.

While that would make sense, the fact that Miami would have to come up with something amiable with the Slovenian needs careful deliberation.

Dragic is owed $19.4 million until the end of the season, money that is going to waste with the 2014 NBA Most Improved Player sitting out games due to personal reasons.

Since arriving in Toronto, Dragic has played in only five games averaging just eight points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 18 minutes of action per Basketball-Reference.

In a report from Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel, Dragic allegedly would love nothing more than to return to South Beach.

The only way that Dragic can return is if he is waived by the Raptors.

Hence, it will be interesting how Dragic plans to treat his current situation especially with big money tied to him.

At his age, the chances of him returning to the Heat after the 2021-22 season are not looking too good although team president Pat Riley may consider it.

So unless the Raptors waive or buy him out, the earliest possible time to see Dragic back in Miami would be by next season.

If that will happen, he is likely to be handed a one-year deal at the most.

Goran Dragic #1 of the Toronto Raptors
Goran Dragic #1 of the Toronto Raptors Getty Images | Cole Burston