http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2008/08/03/20080803suns.html
Dragic taking priority for Suns
44 commentsby Paul Coro - Aug. 3, 2008 09:29 PM
The Arizona Republic
Most of the Suns' free-agency work has dragged into August as promised.
There are two Suns roster spots to fill to get to the NBA minimum of 13 players. Phoenix is no anomaly. Fifteen other NBA teams need to sign at least two more players but the Suns are in a unique holding pattern.
After free-agency target Tyronn Lue went for Milwaukee's offer of an extra year and more money, the Suns' priority to add a backup point guard honed in on second-round draft pick Goran Dragic.
The Suns knew it would not be easy to bring Dragic to Phoenix this year because his contract with Spanish club Tau Ceramica does not provide a buyout clause until next year.
There was hope, though, for the Suns to work out the 22-year-old Slovenian in Phoenix during draft week. They gave up $500,000 and a future second-round pick on draft night to jump three spots and nab the man they feel can back up and eventually replace Steve Nash.
In mid-July, two sources said Dragic and Tau had negotiated a buyout for this summer, and it was up to the Suns to find a way to give him a multiyear contract starting at almost $2 million. That would help Dragic cover the cost of buying out his Tau deal beyond the $500,000 the Suns can contribute directly.
His buyout would be more this year than the $1.55 million it would take in 2009. Now, the onus has reverted to the Dragic and Tau camps to cut through the red tape.
Signing Dragic no longer would require the Suns to make a payroll-cutting move first. Dragic would cost the Suns twice his salary because their payroll likely will result in a luxury tax of $5 million to $6 million. Despite trade rumors involving Leandro Barbosa, a summer deal appears doubtful.
Dragic told a Spanish newspaper in July that the best thing for him was to play for Tau, but he sounded as convincing about hopes to join the Suns when talking to The Republic in June. Meanwhile, Tau has pursued other point guards, apparently to fill a backup role Dragic was pegged to handle.
The Suns plan to be patient waiting for a resolution on Dragic but will return to seeking a veteran free agent to be their backup point guard if they are unable to sign Dragic this summer. They are limiting themselves to veteran minimum offers.
Carlos Arroyo appears headed for Israel, thwarting hopes he would slip into the clearance bin. Suns center Shaquille O'Neal wants ex-Miami teammate Jason Williams. There are also journeymen (see Mike Wilks) or older vets (Damon Stoudamire and Sam Cassell) to consider. Shaun Livingston is intriguing but not in the role to rest Nash more because he is months away from being able to play.
The Suns likely will use their other roster spot for a big man. Brian Skinner signed with the Clippers, making Sean Marks' return a possibility, but Phoenix could opt for a veteran on a non-guaranteed deal to see who shakes loose in September and October.
