Dragic and Rockets Still Far Apart? (Rumor)

[indeedproceed]

The Houston Rockets are pessimistic about their chances of re-signing point guard Goran Dragic with the sides far apart in negotiations, according to sources close to the process.

The Rockets met with Dragic on Monday in Houston and were hopeful of reaching terms quickly with the Slovenian, who averaged 16.3 points and 7.3 assists in 32 games after the All-Star break following an injury to Kyle Lowry.

But Dragic left town without a deal, sources said, leading one source close to the process to say that the lefty's expected return to the Rockets is "not going to happen." Dragic is scheduled Tuesday to visit the Phoenix Suns, who dealt him to the Rockets at the 2011 trade deadline.

Dragic is said to be seeking an annual salary of at least $10 million and, according to sources familiar with his thinking, expects to be installed as the starter wherever he lands.

[Fafnir]

So he wants Rajon Rondo money (roughly given the way that contracts overall have decreased in value in the new CBA)

I can see why he and the Rockets are far apart.

[KCattheStripe]

The Houston Rockets are pessimistic about their chances of re-signing point guard Goran Dragic with the sides far apart in negotiations, according to sources close to the process.

The Rockets met with Dragic on Monday in Houston and were hopeful of reaching terms quickly with the Slovenian, who averaged 16.3 points and 7.3 assists in 32 games after the All-Star break following an injury to Kyle Lowry.

But Dragic left town without a deal, sources said, leading one source close to the process to say that the lefty's expected return to the Rockets is "not going to happen." Dragic is scheduled Tuesday to visit the Phoenix Suns, who dealt him to the Rockets at the 2011 trade deadline.

Dragic is said to be seeking an annual salary of at least $10 million and, according to sources familiar with his thinking, expects to be installed as the starter wherever he lands.

This is good news for IP's favorite binky.

[theswitch]

A lot of strange contract demands floating around. I read somewhere that Jrue Holiday was demanding a max extension.

[indeedproceed]

I absolutely do not think Dragic is a 10 mil a year guy, and whoever pays him like that is going to regret it.

I also don't see why the Rockets even entertain the notion, when they still have Lowry so cheap.

[Lucky17]

Surprising. I thought I read that Houston was willing to offer a contract starting at $8 million. That seems quite reasonable.

Is Dragic really going to get $10 million from someone?

[More Banners]

I don't think the teams that might need him will want him for that; they're all committed to some other young PG.

Back to PHX?  Who can they ship back to HOU in return?

[StartOrien]

I absolutely do not think Dragic is a 10 mil a year guy, and whoever pays him like that is going to regret it.

I also don't see why the Rockets even entertain the notion, when they still have Lowry so cheap.

You're absolutely right, I don't see see how Dragic has any leverage in the situation.

Here's what annoys me about the league. Someone's going to give him that ten million. Could he be worth it? Perhaps. But he's had a half a good season, and some flashes. And some team who can't afford for him to not work out is going to give him that money.

[Fafnir]

I don't think the teams that might need him will want him for that; they're all committed to some other young PG.

Back to PHX?  Who can they ship back to HOU in return?

Pheonix has cap space I believe, especially with Nash on his way out.

[Lucky17]

I don't think the teams that might need him will want him for that; they're all committed to some other young PG.

Back to PHX?  Who can they ship back to HOU in return?

Pheonix has cap space I believe, especially with Nash on his way out.

Phoenix would love to have him back, I think.

And that's probably what Dragic's camp is using as leverage in their contract stance with Houston. Plus the much publicized rift between Lowry and McHale.

If Dragic remains intractable, I doubt Morey will stand for it. He'll figure out a way to move Dragic to his new home for a decent return.

[indeedproceed]

I don't think the teams that might need him will want him for that; they're all committed to some other young PG.

Back to PHX?  Who can they ship back to HOU in return?

Pheonix has cap space I believe, especially with Nash on his way out.

Phoenix would love to have him back, I think.

And that's probably what Dragic's camp is using as leverage in their contract stance with Houston. Plus the much publicized rift between Lowry and McHale.

If Dragic remains intractable, I doubt Morey will stand for it. He'll figure out a way to move Dragic to his new home for a decent return.

I'm not sure what Houston would possibly want from Phoenix though. Aside from Gortat and arguably Dudley, that team has zero assets.

Right to switch 1sts maybe?

[BballTim]

I don't think the teams that might need him will want him for that; they're all committed to some other young PG.

Back to PHX?  Who can they ship back to HOU in return?

Pheonix has cap space I believe, especially with Nash on his way out.

  A lot of cap space? Would they still be in the hunt for Ray if they gave him $10M?

[indeedproceed]

I don't think the teams that might need him will want him for that; they're all committed to some other young PG.

Back to PHX?  Who can they ship back to HOU in return?

Pheonix has cap space I believe, especially with Nash on his way out.

  A lot of cap space? Would they still be in the hunt for Ray if they gave him $10M?

Phoenix is chasing Ray Allen?

Its like a Pinto buying a six million dollar cup holder.

[colincb]

I don't think the teams that might need him will want him for that; they're all committed to some other young PG.

Back to PHX?  Who can they ship back to HOU in return?

Pheonix has cap space I believe, especially with Nash on his way out.

  A lot of cap space? Would they still be in the hunt for Ray if they gave him $10M?

Phoenix is chasing Ray Allen?

Its like a Pinto buying a six million dollar cup holder.

Well played. TP

[Who]

Surprising. I thought I read that Houston was willing to offer a contract starting at $8 million. That seems quite reasonable.

Is Dragic really going to get $10 million from someone?

Yeah, $8 million is what I was expecting.

I wouldn't rule Dragic out in terms of earning (being good value at) that $10 mil per annum over the next few years though. It's within his reach to play at that level. A very capable player.

If it was a three year contract (@$10mil), I would take that risk if I am the Phoenix Suns.