The Miami Heat intend to persist looking for a trade that can land point guard Goran Dragic in a beneficial situation, largely out of respect for the veteran's wishes to find a new destination, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

The franchise would also benefit by moving Dragic's hefty $19.2 million deal for the 2019-20 season, which would clear enough salary to bring in their new gem in Jimmy Butler, who is expected to net a four-year commitment at $142 million, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.

Dragic struggled through an injury-riddled season in 2018-19, limiting him to 22 starts in 36 appearances.

The 33-year-old lefty averaged a mere 13.7 points and 4.8 assists, clearly hobbled and struggling to gain back his explosiveness and seamless feel for the speed of the game.

There's likely still some of The Dragon left in Dragic's aging body, but the Slovenian could potentially wind up showing that elsewhere, with teams around the league craving a veteran point guard.

A return to Phoenix would have been feasible before the Suns snatched Ricky Rubio early, likely taking that starting spot next to Devin Booker.

The Heat were hoping to pull off a deal with the Dallas Mavericks recently, one that would have partnered the lefty with former national team protege Luka Doncic, who is fresh off a Rookie of the Year campaign.

The trade quickly dismantled, leaving the Heat to try again, hoping to find the right partner to unload Dragic before the moratorium period ends on July 6.