Golden State Warriors with uphill battle in race for Goran Dragic
![TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 23: Goran Dragic #1 of the Toronto Raptors warms up prior to their NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Scotiabank Arena on October 23, 2021 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 23: Goran Dragic #1 of the Toronto Raptors warms up prior to their NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Scotiabank Arena on October 23, 2021 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/55ce42844551e4429b3845c5c5ecac29ca9f514a4acf49c09776f781e58e53fa.jpg)
The Golden State Warriors were among the team that has expressed interest in point guard Goran Dragic, who was recently bought out.
However, they’ll have to pull some string to get him to the Bay Area as the Mavericks are the frontrunner for the veteran guard. Dragic started the season with Toronto but clearly didn’t fit in with the young Raptors.
The Golden State Warriors may have the second-best record in the NBA, but they aren’t the favorites to land Goran Dragic who was bought out by San Antonio.
Dragic was dealt to San Antonio prior to the trade deadline but didn’t actually play for the Spurs at all. Yesterday, Dragic was bought out, which was expected. The Warriors are among the several teams making a run at the Slovenian.
However, he’s expected to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.
Per Chris Haynes, the Mavericks are the “favorites” to add Dragic.
Upon completion of an expected buyout between Goran Dragic and the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Mavericks will be the favorites to add the veteran point guard, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 10, 2022
With guard Tim Hardawy Jr. sidelined, Dragic would easily fit in as a premier playmaker for their second unit. He would also be playing with fellow Slovenian and international superstar Luka Doncic. That could be impactful in Dragic’s decision.
“ESPN’s Tim MacMahon agreed, saying in an appearance on NBA Today that Dragic seemed likely to join fellow Slovenian Luka Doncic on the Mavericks,” Heavy.com’s Nathan Doughtery wrote.
That likely has some pull, but the Warriors have just as much riding for them in the buyout market. For starters, they can offer a position on a team truly able to say they’ll contend for an NBA Championship.
The Warriors seem in a far better position to make a deep playoff run than Dallas. Also, the Warriors need a backup point guard, so Dragic would have some freedom to help operate the second unit. That will undoubtedly be a factor in his decision-making process.
While Golden State still seems like a long shot in the race for Dragic, bringing in a player that averaged over 13 points per game last season could only be a positive for the organization.
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A backup point guard and an additional big man are the two keys for the Warriors if they do seek another player in the buyout market.