Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
The Miami Heat are the presumptive favorites to land guard Kyle Lowry following the team’s decision to accept the club option on Goran Dragic’s contract, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein.
Miami has minimal salary-cap space to operate with in free agency by bringing Dragic back for $19.4 million in 2021-22. Stein believes the Heat will now use that contract as leverage in a sign-and-trade for Lowry that would net the Eastern Conference contenders a third star alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Miami’s status as the favorite to land Kyle Lowry was only enhanced by the decision to pick up Goran Dragic’s option for next season, league sources say.<br><br>A sign-and-trade with Toronto for Lowry centered around Dragic’s $19.4MM deal for next season is an obvious route to a deal.
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat in interesting spot with Dragic, Iguodala team-option Sunday deadlines. If picked up, then no cap space. But if bypassed and they become free agents, then lack of big contract to package in sign-and-trade. Legally can’t talk to teams, free agents until after option deadline.
Miami declined to pick up Iguodala’s $15 million team option Sunday.
Lowry, 35, is coming off a one-year, $30.5 million deal in Toronto and is considered one of the premier UFA guards available this summer. In 46 games last season the Philadelphia native averaged 17.2 point, 7.3 assists and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 43.6 percent from the field.
This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
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