NBA Rumors: Heat May Be Better Off With Dragic Than Conley

The Miami Heat are looking to improve for the 2019-20 NBA season and some changes in the backcourt could help. Goran Dragic has been reliable for the South Beach squad although an upgrade could be considered if there is one available in the free agent market this summer.

One player that could be of interest for the Heat is Mike Conley. The 31-year-old guard is believed to be on the block and the Memphis Grizzlies are expected to listen to offers. So far, there are teams who have already expressed interest such as the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks. Both teams are on the prowl for a veteran guard and Conley looms as a logical fit.

However, there is Conley’s $67 million contract that needs to be addressed. With two years remaining on his deal, the Heat or any team interested in acquiring his services will need to give up some assets to take him in. Right now, some names that come to mind are Dragic and perhaps Hassan Whiteside.

Even at 33, Dragic remains a threat especially if he goes on a roll. But consistency has become a big question mark, not to mention injuries which have hampered his frequency of play. A look at Spotrac shows that he is due $19 million this coming season, meaning Miami is still about $48 million short. Even if Miami were to offer Whiteside, who is set to earn $27 million, they would still be $21 million short.

The numbers game is expected to play a key role if the Heat are indeed bent on getting Conley to the fold. The Grizzlies are in no hurry to deal off the veteran guard, meaning Miami could expand its options and see who they can deal for him if they serious about pursuing the fourth overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft, CBS Sports reported.

Then again, the Heat could opt to pass on Conley and stick with Dragic. Instead, they can look at other positions that need filling. Miami does have a promising core, although they still need veterans to lead the charge.

Conley is tempting, but the Heat may want to also include the fact that the NBA vet has had his share of injuries the past seasons, according to Sporting News. He has managed to recover from that but the fact remains that he may not be as sturdy as he was when the Grizzlies were one of the Western Conference powers.