It looks like Goran Dragic had no choice but to re-sign with the Miami Heat since Jimmy Butler pressured him to.
According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Butler called Dragic last week and suggested physical violence could be coming his way if he didn't return to the Heat.
More Goran Dragic to AP: Jimmy Butler called him last week and (half-seriously, we think) suggested physical violence could be coming his way if he didn't return to Miami. "Jimmy's a tough guy. … I didn't want him chasing my ass," Dragic said.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) November 20, 2020
Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic developed a very close relationship in Butler's first year with the Heat. No one inside the Miami organization expected Dragic to leave the franchise in unrestricted free agency.
During the 2019-20 regular season, Dragic averaged 16.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the field, 36.7 percent from beyond the arc and 77.6 percent from the free-throw line.
In the 2020 Eastern Conference playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, Dragic put up 20.9 points per game and helped the Heat win the conference. He was playing the best basketball of his career and the lefty was ready to lead Miami to an upset victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals.
However, Dragic suffered a serious foot injury in Game 1 of the Finals against the Lakers. He made a grand return in Game 6 but wasn't even close to 100 percent.
With Dragic out, the Heat lost to the Lakers in six games despite Jimmy Butler playing his heart out. Many believe Miami could have defeated Los Angeles had Dragic not gotten hurt.
The Heat will run it back next season and try and win it all again with Dragic, Butler and Bam Adebayo leading the way.
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