Andre Iguodala, Memphis Grizzlies
When the Memphis Grizzlies made the trade with the Warriors to acquire former NBA Finals MVP, Andre Iguodala, it seemed like a likely buyout situation. A buyout would have allowed Iguodala to become a free agent and perhaps chase one more championship before he finally retires. However, the Grizzlies reportedly have no interest in buying him out and plan on having him at training camp.
As nice as it would be to see Iguodala be able to pick his own destination after a great career, this was the right business move for the Grizzlies. In buying him out, they’d get nothing, but as the trade deadline gets closer and closer there will certainly be a market for a player with Iguodala’s skill set.
Iguodala is one of the smartest players in the league, a high-level defender, and a champion who has hit some huge shots in his career despite not being known as a great shooter. There will always be a market in the NBA for guys like that. Trying to identify potential trade partners can be about as unpredictable as Antonio Brown, but I’d expect the Lakers and Clippers to both be interested in acquiring Iguodala before the deadline.
I’d predict they’ll both be in somewhat of an arms race with each other throughout most of the season.