The Miami Heat already know Goran Dragic is bypassing his player option for next season to become a free agent July 1, but league sources say they plan to be highly aggressive in trying to secure a commitment from their new point guard early in free agency.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Heat are planning to offer Dragic a five-year deal in excess of $80 million to keep him in Miami after acquiring the 2014 All-NBA third-team selection from Phoenix on trade deadline day in February.
Only Miami can offer a five-year deal this summer to Dragic, who told local reporters after the season that he "had a great time" with the Heat despite missing out on the playoffs. He said on more than one occasion that "I want to come back."
Heat president Pat Riley has likewise expressed confidence in Miami's ability to retain him, saying at a season-ending media availability two months ago: "If he doesn't sign, my ass will be in that seat [next to reporters] next year."
A five-year maximum deal for Dragic would exceed $100 million but Miami also might find itself dealing with Dwyane Wade's free agency one summer earlier than expected if Wade decides to bypass his $16.1 million player option for next season. The Heat also await a decision from Luol Deng about his plans to either invoke next season's $10.2 million player option or opt for free agency.
Four-year offers from interested rival suitors in Dragic, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, can go as high as $85 million.