SAN ANTONIO _ In an interview with NBA.com before the Heat-Bulls game last week which covered an array of topics including his vision of the future for the franchise, Heat president Pat Riley did not mention point guard Goran Dragic and mentioned he's looking to acquire another draft pick.
"Talent is still, always and will forever be at the top of the list," Riley responded when asked what he's looking for as the Heat begins its rebuild after the departure of Dwayne Wade. "We feel that with Hassan [Whiteside], and with Justise [Winslow] and Tyler [Johnson] and Josh [Richardson] _ and some of the new guys who we got this summer _ four or five of those young guys can create a nucleus.
"We have a pick this year. I have intentions, if it's possible, to try and get another pick. And then we will have [cap] room. And so, from that standpoint, you start making a plan and formulating what it looks like down the road. But you're going to have to get some breakthroughs _ from Hassan, from Justise, from Tyler, from Josh _ and then you'll see where you go from there."
The Heat, off to a 2-6 start heading into Monday night's game against the Spurs, owns its first round pick in 2017 (a potential lottery pick if Miami's season continues the way it has) and would keep its second round pick if it finishes with one of the 10 worst records in the league.
But what Riley told NBA.com sounds as if he is willing to part with Dragic _ and potentially other pieces on the roster _ to build around a young nucleus he feels confident in.
Dragic, signed through the 2019-20 season and due $17 million next season, has been linked in trade rumors to Sacramento for Rudy Gay since the summer. Coach Erik Spoelstra, though, told Dragic two weeks ago the Heat was not shopping him.
