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Heat Guard Goran Dragic Opts Out Of Contract

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – When the Miami Heat acquired Goran Dragic last season, the plan was always to sign him to a long-term deal.

Before that can happen, it's been expected that Dragic would opt out of the last year of his current deal in order to start working on a new one.

On Tuesday, official word came down that the 29-year-old guard has taken that first step.

There have been reports that the Heat are going to offer Dragic $80 million over five years, which is below the projected maximum of $109 that he could only get from Miami.

The most that any other team could offer him is $81 million over four years. Only the Heat can offer him a fifth year.

Miami has a lot to consider when handing out contract offers this summer.  They have to deal with the Dwyane Wade situation, as the veteran guard seems poised to opt out of his current deal that would pay him over $16 million next season.

The Heat also want to have funds available for 2016 when Hassan Whiteside will need to be re-signed and when several big-name free agents are expected to hit the open market.

Follow David on Twitter (@DavidDwork)

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