Former Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic said that despite receiving offers from various European teams, he only wanted to play for the Heat.
Dragic just announced his retirement, capping off an illustrious professional career.
“I will be honest,” Dragic said. “I had offers from Europe, from Milan, Madrid, Panathinaikos, Barcelona. … I never wanted to go back to Europe. I wouldn’t want to be without my children living in the U.S. for a year.”
Dragic went on to share that he only wanted to play with the Heat, who he was in talks with as a free agent.
“The only option was Miami, with whom I was in talks,” Dragic said. “In the end, it didn’t work out because they have too many players under contract.”
Unfortunately, the inability for Dragic and the Miami Heat to reach an agreement is regrettable, considering the veteran guard’s exceptional seasons while in Miami. He played a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the NBA Finals in the 2019-20 season within the Orlando bubble.
Although Dragic initially joined the Chicago Bulls for the 2022-23 season, he was later waived and eventually signed with the Milwaukee Bucks.
During his time with the Bulls, Dragic, an All-Star once, played in 51 games off the bench, averaging 6.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. His shooting percentages stood at 42.5% from the field and 35.2% from beyond the arc.
Upon joining the Milwaukee Bucks, Dragic appeared in seven regular-season games, averaging 5.6 points in 11.9 minutes per game. Ultimately, the Miami Heat ousted the Bucks from the playoffs in the first round of the 2022-23 season.
Dragic’s stint with the Miami Heat began in the 2014-15 season following a trade with the Phoenix Suns. He remained with the franchise until the 2020-21 season, earning his sole All-Star recognition during his tenure with the Heat.
Dragic averaged 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from 3-point range as a Heat player.
Dragic explained why he chose to retire rather than continue playing professionally overseas.
“During this time I was at home, I trained every day, even now,” he remarked. “However, my children are the most important to me right now.” I drove kids to school every day and realized how much time I had wasted in my career. That is the primary cause for my retirement.”
The guard also confessed that his left knee isn’t in the best of shape right now.
While Dragic and the Heat were never reunited, Heat fans will always remember the lefty guard fondly.
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