The 2019-20 NBA Finals is over. The Los Angeles Lakers finally bagged their 17th NBA title, romping to a 106-93 win over the Miami Heat. The South Beach squad has nothing to be ashamed of, putting on a worthy performance despite not being among the favored clubs this season.
Looking ahead, Miami knows it has the right mix of players. But it remains that changes must be done. There are players like Goran Dragic and Jae Crowder set to become unrestricted free agents and there is no telling if both or either will be back next season.
Of the two, it is Dragic who holds the heftier paycheck. The 34-year-old exercised his player option in what most perceived was the only plausible route. At his age, no team may take a chance on him until perhaps this offseason. Most may recall he was almost traded to the Dallas Mavericks but the deal failed to prosper.
That turned out to work in the favor of the Heat. That was until Dragic fell to an injury that may further dampen his chances of negotiating a new pact this offseason. But the more pressing question now is will the Heat re-sign the Slovenian? If ever that does happen, Dragic is likely to be signed to a short-term and cheaper deal.
Dragic was surprisingly fielded in late in the first quarter in what sent off mixed signals. Some felt it was a move made because Erik Spoelstra had tired troops while others saw it as a way for Dragic to show how he could cope up. Based on his performance, it was clear that the 6-oot-3 guard was off sync. But with tired legs, it was worth a risk.
The problem is that the Lakers had other things in mind. Los Angeles knew that allowing the Heat to level the series would be dangerous and the momentum could sway the Heat's way if there were a game 7. LeBron James and company made sure that would not happen, leading by as many as 30 points in certain stretches.
For Dragic, some teams could take a chance at him. Though most clubs are now after younger players, it remains that some want a veteran guard in tow. The only difference is that Dragic may see a dip in minutes and possibly even come off the bench.
But his injury will factor in on negotiations. His health will be scrutinized and play a role in his NBA future. So the only question now is will it still be in Miami or somewhere else?
