Celtics Finally Waive Zoran Dragic

It’s the end of an era, my friends.

I regret to inform anybody who purchased a Zoran Dragic Celtics jersey that Danny Ainge has decided to waive the 26-year-old Slovenian guard.

Zoran signed with the Phoenix Suns last offseason in a move that was likely done to appease his far superior brother, Goran. Since Goran Dragic had such a stellar 2013-2014 season, Phoenix was looking to re-sign the All-NBA Third Team PG, however, Goran grew restless as he disagreed with the direction Phoenix was going and demanded a trade. This unrest was speculated to have stemmed from Phoenix’s overhoarding at the point guard position, which funnily enough, was how the Celtics stole Isaiah Thomas from the Suns.

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Teams were only willing to trade for Goran if he assured them that he would re-sign with them (which technically isn’t allowed as per the CBA) considering his contract was set to expire. It was Goran then, who held all the cards at the trade deadline. His requested destinations were apparently as follows: New York, Los Angeles and Miami. It was clear that Goran Dragic had devolved into a prima donna — considering all of his requested teams were, while suffering at the time, superior in the nightlife scene. Phoenix had no intention of keeping a guy with such misguided priorities. Pat Riley would bring both Dragic brothers to Miami in a three-team deal involving the New Orleans Pelicans, in addition to the Phoenix Suns.

Fast-forward to this summer: Dragic happily re-signs with the Miami Heat on a five-year $85 million contract, Pat Riley convinces Goran he doesn’t need to play alongside his brother, and thus, Riley sends Zoran, cash and a second-round pick to Boston for Boston’s top-55 protected second-round pick (read: nothing).

Celtics gain a second-round pick, and Miami gets to shed some salary. It’s a win-win (not including Zoran Dragic’s fate).

While this move wasn’t completely unexpected – considering Miami even gave us the cash to buy him out – the Celtics still have to reduce their roster by one player. The Celtics currently stand at 16 players and need to get that number down to 15 by the start of the season.

Thus, preseason will effectively function as a try out to determine which player gets cut from the team. My money’s on Perry Jones III — who was also sent to Boston with cash considerations, in the case we decide to cut him.

Next: What the Boston Celtics Mean to Us - Larry Flynn

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