Boston Celtics waive recently acquired swingman Zoran Dragic

The Boston Celtics have waived guard/forward Zoran Dragic.

The Boston Celtics have waived guard/forward Zoran Dragic, the team announced Monday.

Dragic was acquired in a trade with the Miami Heat on July 27 and The Boston Globe reported at the time that Boston intended to waive Dragic. The Celtics also received a 2020 second-round pick in the deal and enough cash to cover Dragic’s 2015–16 salary. The Heat acquired a 2019 second-round pick that is very heavily-protected and therefore highly unlikely to actually go to Miami, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported. 

Windhorst also pointed out that the move would save Miami millions in luxury tax payments. 

ESPN’s Dan Le Batard reported at the time that Dragic’s brother, Heat guard Goran Dragic, had no problem with the trade because he hoped Zoran would receive more playing time in Boston. ESPN’s Marc Stein reported Monday, however, that Zoran’s agents lobbied for their client to be released so he could return to Europe. 

Dragic, 26, began his professional career in his native Slovenia in 2004 and joined Spanish club Malaga in 2012. He signed with the Phoenix Suns last September, joining Goran, and was traded with his brother to the Heat in February. 

Dragic played only sparingly in his one NBA season, making 16 appearances. He averaged 1.8 points and 0.5 rebounds in 4.7 minutes per game. 

- Dan Gartland