Rumor: Celtics emerging as contender for Goran Dragic

The situation with Goran Dragic and the Phoenix Suns has deteriorated to the point where Dragic has told the team he has no plans to re-sign there this offseason. Dragic released a list of teams he would prefer to go to, and although the Celtics were not one of them, it appears they are making a strong push to acquire the 7th year guard.

ESPN sources say Celtics emerging as contender on the outside for Goran Dragic in trade with Phoenix

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2015

Celtics have the assets to jump into Dragic talks and, like Houston and Sacramento, also have the guts to trade for a free agent-to-be

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2015

Even though Boston is not a preferred destination for Dragic, the chance to bring in a player of Dragic's caliber is an intriguing one for Ainge and the Celtics. The risk in acquiring Dragic is that he could bolt in free agency this summer, but bringing him in before the deadline expires would allow the Celtics to offer a fifth year in a contract this summer, which could be enough to convince him to stay in Boston long term.

Teams that would gamble on Dragic deal now (Celtics/Rockets/Kings) are banking on idea fifth year would make big difference in free agency

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2015

Ainge has a close relationship with Suns GM Ryan McDonough who was his assistant GM in Boston for three years, and they already did a deal together this season when the Celtics shipped Brandan Wright to Phoenix, which could help the Celtics in this process.

The keyword around this trade deadline for the Celtics has been "opportunistic," and acquiring Dragic on the cheap at the deadline would certainly fall under that category.

Update:

Yahoo Sources: Suns much more focused on discussing Dragic deals w/ Celtics, Rockets, Kings, among others, than any teams on guard's list.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 18, 2015