Q: Hi, Ira. I have been waiting for the new CBA negotiations to end to ask you this question. I know everybody is talking about trading Goran Dragic, even the fans keep saying that, which doesn't make sense. Why would Pat Riley even consider trading Dragic, when he is earning far less than any player of his caliber? -- Gago, Los Angeles.

A: That is a point I've been making since we found out exactly where these maximum salaries are going, which is to a stratosphere double where Goran stands with his $17 million salary next season. But that also could come down to whether the Heat find a value contract at point guard in the draft, or even better value in free agency (which certainly appears unlikely). That's the thing, it's one thing to talk about an upgrade, but how much of an upgrade is actually out there, and how many upgrades would be at a price point similar to Goran's? Of course, if the Heat believe that Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson can handle the position over the long run, then addressing other areas would make sense. I don't see that immediate possibility with either Johnson or Richardson. As it is, performances like Friday's from Dragic show that he can put you in position to win against elite talent.

Q: The Heat should have rested players Friday against the Clippers, with winnable games upcoming against the Celtics, Magic and Lakers. Pat Riley should have said something to Erik Spoelstra. -- Matt.

A: Only you don't do that when you're in the Heat's position and not when you have a day off before and a day off after. But that's where the Heat stand these days, with a roster largely incapable of beating the NBA's true elite, be it the Spurs, Cavaliers and now Clippers. It is why giving away those other home games was so painful. But you are correct that there should be greater hope over the final three games of this homestand against the Celtics, Magic and Lakers And if there is to be any realistic playoff hope, this is a homestand that requires a 5-1 record. So you move beyond Friday's game, hope Tyler Johnson is not ill on Sunday against the Celtics, hope Wayne Ellington can make it back with his hamstring (unlikely) and try to maximize the longest homestand of the season.

Q: How can Hassan Whiteside saying the DeAndre Jordan "just catches lobs" not be seen as insulting? -- Lauren.

A: Context. He was saying that's all that DeAndre has to do in a lineup that also features Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and J.J. Redick. In fact, I believe Hassan would it find it anything but insulting if he had to go back to a similar role, with a roster stocked to the point it was when the Heat had Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. And, you know what, pretty much all DeAndre Jordan does is catch lobs. With the re-emergence of the center position, it would not be shocking to see Jordan go from first-team All-NBA to off all three of those teams. Chalk it up to Whiteside's learning curve. And with his pregame clarification Friday, it does appear that he is making progress in that area, as well.