NBA Trade Rumors: Miami Heat Considering Dealing Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside? Orlando Magic Reportedly Want Slovenian Guard

The Miami Heat (11-29) and Orlando Magic (16-24), two teams with slim chances of clinching a playoff berth this season, have reportedly discussed a potential deal for combo guard Goran Dragic, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported Friday.

But the Magic aren't the only team interested in acquiring Dragic. The report indicates a “bunch” of other teams have reached out to the Heat about a possible deal several weeks before the Feb. 23 trade deadline. The 30-year-old is a versatile scorer with a reasonable contract and has been the subject of previous trade rumors. Earlier this month, Marc Stein of ESPN reported that the Heat had a heavy asking price for Dragic.

Following guard Dwyane Wade’s departure last summer, Chris Bosh’s health and a litany of injuries up and down the roster, the long-running title contender Heat appear to be in rebuilding mode. Lowe had previously mentioned that Hassan Whiteside, who has emerged as one of the league's best centers, may also be traded. There have been no concrete reports of Whiteside being dealt, but the 27-year-old is considered a hot commodity based on his exceptional rebounding skills.

While Heat general manager Andy Elisberg would likely receive a big sum for Whiteside, flipping Dragic to a legitimate contender rich with draft selections or extra salary cap room is viewed as one of the best ways for the Heat to turn things around quickly.

The Slovenian star joined Miami in February 2015 from the Phoenix Suns and has put up solid numbers ever since. This season he’s averaging 19 points, 2.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists with a sharp 40.5 percent success rate from three over 32 games.

Dragic inked a five-year, $85 million extension with Miami in July 2015. But he won’t make more than $19.2 million throughout the life of the deal and holds a player option for the 2019-20 season, making his contract one of the more salary cap-friendly in the league based on his production.

The Magic, who are technically only four games out of the East’s final playoff spot, may believe they can squeeze into the postseason if they can find some more consistent offense. Ranked No. 27 in the league with a mere 98.8 points per game and No. 16 in assists, the Magic have struggled mightily after heavily investing in its frontcourt rather than the guard positions last summer.

The signing of forward Bismack Biyombo and the trade for former Oklahoma City big Serge Ibaka have left Orlando well over the salary cap and could hinder a deal for Dragic. The Magic are currently ninth in the NBA with more than $106.2 million in total salary - $12.1 million over the cap with only $7 million in luxury tax space remaining, according to Spotrac.