Sources: Goran Dragic to join Suns

Updated: July 5, 2012, 1:22 AM ET
By Marc Stein | ESPN.com
The Phoenix Suns, moving quickly after trading face of the franchise Steve Nash, have reached terms on a contract with point guard Goran Dragic, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Suns have reached a verbal agreement on a four-year deal worth an estimated $34 million that Dragic has pledged to sign July 11, which is the first day contracts can be signed.

Dragic will have a player option entering the fourth year, sources said.

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Dragic, who previously backed up Nash in Phoenix and memorably uncorked a 23-point fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2010 playoffs, rose to prominence in the second half of last season with the Houston Rockets following an injury to Kyle Lowry.

But negotiations with the Rockets broke off quickly this week, with Dragic determined to not only secure a deal paying $10 million annually but also the promise of a starting job. The Suns traded Dragic to Houston along with a first-round pick for Aaron Brooks at the 2011 trade deadline.

Dragic was also pursued by the Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Bobcats in addition to the Suns.

Gordon Agrees With Suns

Hornets restricted free agent Eric Gordon agrees to four-year $58 million contract with Suns. The Hornets can match the deal.Tags: Eric Gordon, Suns, Hornets

Eric Gordon and the Phoenix Suns have agreed to terms on a maximum-salaried contract worth $58 million over four years.

Gordon, the New Orleans Hornets' star shooting guard, will sign the offer sheet on July 11th.

The Hornets will have three days to match the offer, and sources with knowledge of the team's thinking confirmed to ESPN.com late Tuesday that New Orleans plans to do so.

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New Orleans has claimed all along that it will match any offer Gordon receives, but Gordon is hoping the Hornets do not match.

Gordon said Tuesday night that his preference is to play for the Suns, not the Hornets.

"After visiting the Suns, the impression the organization made on me was incredible," Gordon said in a statement. "Mr. (Robert) Sarver, Lon Babby, Lance Blanks, the Front Office Staff and Coach (Alvin) Gentry run a first-class organization, and I strongly feel they are the right franchise for me. Phoenix is just where my heart is now."

Gordon's desire to leave the Hornets puts a damper on what had been a terrific week for the club. Last Thursday, New Orleans selected Anthony Davis with the No. 1 pick in the draft and guard Austin Rivers at No. 10.

The league-wide assumption was that Gordon and the two rookies would form a trio that would lead the Hornets back to relevance. Of course, that could still be the case if New Orleans matches the offer.

Paladin55 wrote:

VCoug wrote:If they actually sign those guys they'll be good but Dragic and Gordon are restricted free agents and I'd expect them back with Houston and New Orleans.

Unless, for some reason, the Knicks don't match Houston's anticipated offer to Lin... no?

Sorry, made a mistake; Dragic is unrestricted.