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July 18, 2008 - 11:58AM
Suns' pick Dragic likely to stay in Europe
Jerry Brown, Tribune
The Suns' options at backup point guard next year appear to have been further limited after second-round pick Goran Dragic told a Spanish newspaper that he expects to remain with Tau Ceramica for next season.
"It is certain that the Suns wanted to have me, but I believe that the best thing for me is to go to Spain and try to find a place for myself in Baskonia," Dragic, translated from Spanish, told El Correo newspaper on Thursday.
When the Suns traded with San Antonio to acquire Dragic's rights on draft day, it was with the understanding that he didn't have a buyout agreement for the 2008-09 season and that he would likely spend another season in Europe. But after the Suns struck out on the first wave of possible backups to Steve Nash in free agency, there was more talk about Dragic making his way to Phoenix.
NBA sources said the Suns are still holding out hope that Dragic can make the move this year and that "there is still a chance" it could happen.
But Phoenix can only contribute $500,000 to Dragic's effort to buy out his deal this summer and would have to pay him almost $2 million to reimburse him for lost wages - a figure that would taxed at 100 percent since the team is over the NBA's luxury tax.
And it appears Dragic is focused on playing for Tau next season, a team that has owned his rights for two years but for whom he has yet to play after being loaned to Union Olimpija in Slovenia.
"After two years of assignments (in Slovenia), I have my opportunity to succeed with Tau," Dragic said through translation. "I have always said that my dream is to do something big (here). ... The best thing for my progression is to continue in Europe. Then, depending on my (performance), we'll see what happens with me next summer."
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