NBA Rumors: Steve Nash May Be The Key In The Goran Dragic Sweepstakes

The buyout market is starting to take shape, and it appears Goran Dragic is the most sought-after of the newly-bought out free agents. And according to NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Brooklyn Nets may have an edge, due to their head coach Steve Nash, who has emerged as their lead recruiter.

"League sources say Nash registered key aspects of the Nets’ bid to Dragić on Friday," wrote Stein on Sunday. Nash, in fact, mentored Dragic as a Phoenix Suns teammate when the 35-year-old Slovenian entered the league back in 2008. 

Steve Nash is the ‘lead recruiter’ in Brooklyn’s efforts to land Goran Dragić, per @TheSteinLine

“League sources say Nash registered key aspects of the Nets’ bid to Dragić on Friday”

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— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 20, 2022

Dragic spoke highly of Nash when he was first hired for the job in Brooklyn. 

"He was one of the smartest players in the league when he was playing... I think he's gonna do amazing. I'm so happy for him."

Dragic spent the first 2 1/2 years of his career in Phoenix, then returned a year later in 2012 for another 2 1/2 years, where he established himself as a top-flight point guard. In 2013-14 in the Valley of the Sun, Dragic had a career year, averaging 20.3 points, 5.9 assists, and shooting 40.8% from three-point range. 

According to Stein, Dragic is "determined to spend at least a week evaluating the teams chasing him the hardest," and that he is being "really open-minded" about the pitches he's receiving. The Milwaukee Bucks are another team chasing hard after Dragic, and they have a significant backup role to offer. 

Players must be on a team's roster by March 1st to be eligible for the playoffs. Expect a decision to come this week.

Photo Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports