Goran Dragic On How He Got Traded While Being On The Team Plane

Goran Dragic, the former NBA veteran, shared an unforgettable moment from his career involving an unexpected mid-flight trade. In a recent interview with Thanasis Antetokounmpo on the 'Thanalysis Show', Dragic recounted the surreal experience of being traded while flying with his team, the Phoenix Suns, to Toronto.

"We had practice and we were flying out to Toronto, Canada. And the trade deadline was until 1 p.m. So we finished practice, we drove to the plane with the bus and the plane took off at 12:30."

"There were still 30 minutes on the trade deadline. I was on the plane, we took off. I vividly remember that I was sitting next to Steve Nash. I took a nap, it’s a pretty long flight to Canada. We touched ground and Steve told me ‘Sorry G, you got traded."

"I took my bag, went to the terminal and flew to Houston... The next day I’m playing against the New Jersey Nets. Straight to work." (18:24)

The incident took place in February 2011, just before the NBA trade deadline. Dragic was on the Suns' team plane, heading to Canada for a game against the Toronto Raptors . As the plane took off at 12:30 p.m., there were still 30 minutes left before the trade deadline, and Dragic had no idea that his NBA journey was about to take a sharp turn.

The news was a shock to Goran Dragic , who suddenly found himself no longer a member of the Suns. Upon landing, he grabbed his belongings, left the team plane, and headed to the terminal to catch a flight to Houston. The trade had sent him to the Houston Rockets, and there was no time to waste. The very next day, Dragic found himself suiting up against the Brooklyn Nets, diving straight into his new role with the Houston Rockets .

This abrupt change was emblematic of the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where trades can happen at any moment, even mid-flight. Dragic’s experience underscores the reality that NBA players, despite their fame and success, often face sudden and dramatic shifts in their careers.

Dragic’s ability to quickly adapt to his new team and situation speaks volumes about his professionalism and resilience. Despite the unexpected circumstances, he didn’t skip a beat, demonstrating the level of commitment required to thrive in the NBA. This story has become one of the more memorable anecdotes from Dragic’s long and successful basketball career.

Goran Dragic Led One Of The Best Playoff Comebacks For The Phoenix Suns But Still Got Traded A Year Later

Goran Dragic delivered one of the most memorable performances in Phoenix Suns history during Game 3 of the 2010 Western Conference Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs . Coming off the bench, Dragic led the Suns to a stunning comeback victory, solidifying his place in the franchise's lore.

The Suns trailed the Spurs by 18 points late in the third quarter, and it seemed like San Antonio was on the verge of cutting into Phoenix's 2-0 series lead. However, Dragic had other plans. In a dazzling display of shooting and playmaking, Dragic scored 23 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, single-handedly turning the tide of the game.

Dragic shot an astonishing 10-of-13 from the field, including 5-of-5 from beyond the arc, as he relentlessly attacked the Spurs' defense. His performance was not just about scoring; Dragic also dished out two assists and grabbed three rebounds, playing with an energy that lifted the entire Suns team.

The Suns ultimately won the game 110-96, completing one of the most improbable comebacks in playoff history. Dragic’s heroics not only secured a commanding 3-0 series lead for Phoenix but also etched his name in the annals of NBA playoff lore.

Despite this iconic moment, Dragic was traded a year later in February 2011 to the Houston Rockets. The trade, which occurred just before the NBA trade deadline, shocked many fans who remembered his incredible playoff performance.

The Suns’ decision to move on from Dragic was a reminder of the business side of the NBA, where even heroics on the biggest stage don’t always guarantee long-term security with a team.

Related: Goran Dragic's Farewell Game Lineup Features Jokic, Doncic, Nash, Dirk, Bosh, And Other Stars

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