Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has assured Goran Dragic that, contrary to a recent report, Miami has not discussed including the starting point guard as part of trade talks with the Sacramento Kings.
Dragic told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that Spoelstra approached him Thursday before Miami's preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets to tell him that the trade speculation is "not true."
The website BasketballInsiders.com, citing sources, reported Tuesday that the Heat and Kings discussed a trade involving Dragic, Rudy Gay and Darren Collison.
Dragic, who will make approximately $51 million over the next three years, acknowledged that playing in the NBA is "a business" but also said he appreciated Spoelstra reaching out to him.
"I told him I understand this is the business," Dragic said. "The only thing I can do is do what I do on the court."
Dragic, 30, averaged 14.1 points and 5.8 assists in 2015-16, his first full season in Miami. The nine-year veteran is expected to assume a more prominent role this season after Dwyane Wade's free-agent departure and Chris Bosh's indefinite medical absence.
