Rumors: Goran Dragic wants to finish season with Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks need another ball-handler and creator on the roster behind superstar Luka Doncic. Jalen Brunson has taken another step forward in his fourth NBA season, but the team lacks a third creator. Fans can see it in the Mavs' four losses with Doncic out.

New general manager Nico Harrison and the front office want to fill that hole, and one option is Raptors guard Goran Dragic. The 35-year-old is currently away from the team dealing with a personal matter, and he could return to the NBA in a Mavericks uniform.

The Sun-Sentinel’s Ira Winderman dropped the rumor (subscription required) on Dec. 6 that Dragic is “working towards his preferred option of the Mavericks”. The veteran guard wants to play with his friend and countrymen Luka Doncic, so why is he not in Dallas?

Rumors: Goran Dragic wants to finish the season with the Dallas Mavericks

Dragic had a $19.4 million team option heading into this season that he thought the Miami Heat would decline. He believed he would be an unrestricted free agent and wanted to join his countryman Luka Doncic in Dallas, but the Heat decided to exercise his option and send him to Toronto in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade to make the salary work.

Dragic heading to the retooling Raptors only fueled the rumors of him joining the Mavericks. Toronto is not eager to buy out the veteran because they believe he could be part of a trade before the deadline. Finding a team to take on his contract will be tough, but the Raptors do not want to be kicking themselves in February.

Goran Dragic wants to play for the Dallas Mavericks. He will not finish the season in Toronto, but will he come to Dallas? He fills a need and would help the Mavs in the playoffs. Expect the two sides to get a deal done after the Raptors buyout Dragic. It is just a waiting game at this point.