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NBA 2016-17 Western Conference Roundtable: Favs, Trades And More

By Michael Saenz

Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) gives a high five to guard Klay Thompson (11) before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) gives a high five to guard Klay Thompson (11) before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) drives to the basket past Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) drives to the basket past Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Who Will Be Traded First: Goran Dragic or Ricky Rubio?

Saenz: I feel like the safe answer is Goran Dragic. Though, I have a feeling that he won’t get moved this season, unless the Miami Heat get off to a terrible start. I just don’t see that happening.

Little: I believe Dragic will be traded before Ricky Rubio. As the Miami Heat are about to begin a rebuild, they need to get a fresh start and accumulate as many future assets as possible. With Kris Dunn in the picture in Minnesota, the T’wolves have already came out and said Rubio will start the first 20 games of the season. After that, Kris Dunn should be able to take over as the starting point guard. However, I believe they will hold onto Rubio and use him as a mentor to the young Kris Dunn.

Merrion: Goran Dragic…knowing Thibs, it will be surprising for him to start Kris Dunn just yet unless Rubio gets injured.

Blochlinger: Ricky Rubio has to go. Zach LaVine is ready to go as one of the starting guards and rookie Kris Dunn is talented, but needs the minutes to improve. Playing with Towns, LaVine, and Wiggins will boost Dunn’s play if does break into the starting lineup. Rubio could bring back a solid veteran big man which, to me, is their biggest void.

Jenkins: This is a tough question, since both Minnesota and Miami would probably welcome the chance to flip a player for future/younger assets. I think Dragic is more likely to be dealt, though. If Miami chooses to rebuild, they need as many assets as possible. Minnesota, on the other hand, has a core that is mostly complete. They may deal Rubio, but will probably be in no rush to do so.

Rippon: Goran Dragic. Kris Dunn received a lot of love from fans and scouts alike this summer. He also shot a scintillating 27 percent in preseason play while running around the court like a headless chicken. Rubio is no Steve Nash, but Minnesota needs his defense and passing vision while Dunn develops. Dragic is poised for a comeback season with Dwayne Wade gone, but the Heat has no incentive to keep him. If the Heat start out slow, Dragic may be out of Miami sooner rather than later.

Moeller: Dragic. He didn’t exactly mesh well last season in Miami, but with Wade and Bosh gone he should be able to run a little more. Still, the Heat just threw their lot in with Hassan Whiteside, so they’re not going to be able to play transition ball consistently. Rubio may have the number five pick on the bench behind him, but he fits in better with the Timberwolves than Dragic does with the Heat. Plus, Pat Riley doesn’t mess around. If the Dragic-Whiteside-Winslow combination isn’t working, he’ll try to find a way to fix it, which will probably mean dumping Dragic.

Donadic: If I had to choose I would lean towards Ricky Rubio getting dealt first, but my gut says neither will be traded this season.

Eddy: Goran Dragic.

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