The Grizzlies, Andre Iguodala, and Iguodala’s potential suitors appear to be engaged in a game of chicken as training camps approach for the 2019/20 season.
Memphis acquired Iguodala in an offseason trade with the Warriors, but the move was a straight salary dump for Golden State and the Grizzlies are in rebuilding mode, so it seemed as if the former Finals MVP would push for a trade or buyout to join a contender.
For now though, the Grizzlies appear unwilling to seriously engage in buyout talks, having indicated that they’d like to start the season with Iguodala serving as a veteran mentor to their young prospects. Meanwhile, teams that might be interested in acquiring Iguodala via trade or buyout also seem content to wait, recognizing that the veteran swingman should eventually become available either at a more reasonable trade cost or as a free agent.
Iguodala’s camp would probably like to speed up the process, but unless the former Warrior is willing to surrender a large chunk of his $17MM salary in a buyout agreement, he has little leverage to force the Grizzlies’ hand.
A trade partner could potentially land Iguodala sooner rather than later by offering Memphis a first-round pick without a cumbersome multiyear contract attached, but it doesn’t seem as if any team is desperate enough to pay that price at this point.
With Iguodala’s outlook for 2019/20 still up in the air, we want you to weigh in. Will his situation be resolved before the season begins, or will he have to wait until closer to the trade deadline? And when the Grizzlies eventually trade him or buy him out, which contender will he join?
Vote in our poll on Iguodala’s timeline, then jump into the comment section below to share your thoughts on his next destination!
Trade Rumors app users, click here to vote.
The Warriors tried to play chicken with Iguodala and he wound up laughing all the way to the bank. He’s not going to give up big bucks now after working so hard to get that contract.
Nene’s contract was structured solely for the purpose of being the financial centerpiece in a trade for Iggy. The Rockets just need to send another $3.8M in a trade to make it work, most likely in mid-January.
Nene sounds like a birds name.
Birds prefer vowels because their beaks make consonants difficult.
Anyway yeah Iguodala for Nene in midseason.
Don’t feel bad for iguodala one bit. Loved him in Oakland, but all he has to do is give up his bloated salary. The warriors only gave him that deal as retroactive payment for coming off the bench and winning that first ring. He can play for any team he wants, or he can get paid far more than he’s worth.
I don’t think there’s anyone on the face of the planet including Iguodala himself that feels bad for Iguodala. He’s going to be paid 17 million dollars in the last year of his contract and he’s in his mid-30s. He’s on top of the world right now.
There’s plenty of NBA teams and cities that don’t have a chance for the championship and they have full rosters. Iguodala happens to be on one of them. One of the greatest jobs in the history of the world. I think he’s happy… who would feel bad for him? Sure if Grizzlies offer to buy him out so he can sign wherever he wants it would be a plus !!
But he’s not going to take less money, he’s already been to the finals five straight years. He has the MVP he has the Rings.
Not sure what you mean by your comment.., who feels bad for Andre Iguodala?