Goran Dragic traded to the Heat, Chris Bosh out with blood clots

Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America

Perhaps the main headline from Thursday’s trade-filled drama was the Phoenix Suns sending combo guard Goran Dragic to the Miami Heat in a headliner three team trade that included seven players going to new teams. The deal sends the 2013-2014 Most Improved Player Award winner and his brother Zoran Dragic to the Heat, in return for Danny Granger, Justin Hamilton and two future first round draft picks. The New Orleans Pelicans also got into this trade, acquiring Norris Cole and Shawne Williams from the Heat for veteran guard John Salmons. The Pelicans will, however, buy out Williams’ contract.

Source: Miami sends Danny Granger, Norris Cole, Shawne Williams, Jordan Hamilton and two first-round picks to the Suns for Dragic brothers.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 19, 2015

The Suns trading Dragic was expected, for Goran’s trust in the Suns’ organization had close to ran out, and mutual interest in the seven-year veteran staying in the desert had just about ran out. Dragic’s points per game are down from last year, from over 20 last year to 16 this year, though it’s on 50% field goal shooting. His minutes are down though, because of the Suns’ offseason acquisition of Isaiah Thomas, who was also traded to the Boston Celtics. Phoenix was easily able to replace both Dragic and Thomas however, trading for Bucks’ guard Brandon Knight, who will join a fellow former Kentucky Wildcat Eric Bledsoe in what should be a very nice backcourt.

NOW it’s #heatnation time and I’m excited to bring the Dragon’s fire to Miami!!

— Goran Dragic (@Goran_Dragic) February 19, 2015

For the Heat, Pat Riley may have finally solved his team’s desperation of an efficient, scoring point guard. While shipping out back up Norris Cole to the Pelicans, the group of point guards becomes a little less complicated. Dragic is a great facilitator, which is another thing the Heat have needed. Dragic’s PER is currently ranked 88th in the NBA, which will make the Heat the only team in the NBA with all five starters having a PER in the top 90.

While there is for sure excitement in South Beach with Dragic coming, there is sad news that has just broken out. Future Hall of Famer Chris Bosh has been hospitalized in what has been diagnosed as blood clots in his lungs, and is very likely to miss the remainder of the season. Our prayers are with Bosh as we wish for a speedy recovery.