Goran Dragic trade could cost Heat in 2021 Draft

The Miami Heat gave up two future first-round picks in exchange for Goran Dragic in February 2015 — one that the Heat will confer this year, and another in 2021. Back then, it was a trade to get a proven quality talent now for some unknown quantity years into the future.

But with the revelation about possible changes to NBA Draft eligibility, giving up that pick could end up proving costly for Miami.

According to ESPN, the NBA sent teams a memo last Friday saying that the league’s “one-and-done” rule could end as early as the 2021 Draft. If the NBA and the players union agree to abolish the policy, it could create a draft loaded with the best prospects from two consecutive high school class.

The NBA sent out the memo to give teams more information before they think about trading future first-round picks in the upcoming 2018 Draft.

Now, it’s possible the NBA’s rule doesn’t change until 2022 or later. In that case, this issue would become moot. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Ira Winderman reported that the Heat have not lobbied the league to delay implementing the rule. The Heat have their 2019 and 2020 first-round picks, as well as their 2022 pick.