Celtics Acquire Zoran Dragic, Second-Round Pick From Heat
BOSTON (CBS) -- As the Celtics get ready to introduce their newest members of the team on Monday afternoon, Danny Ainge is hard at work making more trades to acquire additional future assets.
The Celtics have reportedly acquired Zoran Dragic from the Miami Heat for a heavily-protected second round pick. Boston also receives a second round pick from the Heat in exchange for freeing up Dragic's salary from their roster. According to The Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach, it's a 2020 second-round pick.
In all likelihood, Dragic will be cut before ever putting on a Celtics uniform. Essentially, the Celtics acquired an additional future second-round pick to cut Dragic for the Heat.
In trading Dragic, who they acquired last trade deadline from Phoenix with his brother, Goran, the Heat will reportedly save up to $6 million.
Miami Heat have traded Zoran Dragic & a 2nd round pick to Boston for a heavily-protected 2nd round pick. Move could save Heat $6 million
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 27, 2015
Zoran Dragic has been traded from the Heat to the Celtics, an NBA source tells the Sun Sentinel. Move helps with tax and opening roster spot
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 27, 2015
Dragic has played in 16 career games with the Phoenix Suns and Heat, averaging 1.8 points in 4.7 minutes per game. The acquisition gives Boston 17 players under contract for next season, so don't expect him to stay in Boston for very long.
But with the Heat in salary-trimming mode, Ainge took advantage of an opportunity to grab another second-round pick.