Andre Iguodala has been a name that’s been in the news all season as a player most contenders would want at the trade deadline or throughout the buyout period. Luckily, we don’t have to wait until the buyout market gets going as he was reportedly traded last night to the Miami Heat.
At this point in time, Iguodala really isn’t anything special. He’s a very good defender, he can hit open shots, and he’s a good ball handler and passer. What he brings, ironically, is leadership as he is one of the most respected players in the NBA among players and championship experience. The real story behind this trade is that he finally found his way out of Memphis after Golden State sent him there. He never wanted to be in Memphis and he made it very well know to everyone in the organization. The tension was so bad the Grizzlies brass told him to just look for a trade for himself and don’t show up. He listened, did some TV hits, shit on Memphis; you know the usual. It’s a shame, I think he could have been a good player for the Memphis young core to spend time with, but oh well. He joins a Miami team that is fantastic defensively and keeps the ball moving on offense so I think it is going to be a good fit for both sides. Iguodala is also expected to be extended for two years, $30 million once the trade is finalized.
In return, Memphis gets my guy, 2015 first round pick, Justise Winslow. If you don’t know I’m a huge Duke fan, you do now. Probably more known for his championship run in his one year at college, Winslow has actually been improving aspects of his game every year in the NBA, while staying true to himself and staying a good defender and rebounder; a prime rip and run candidate which is exciting for the Grizzlies new look offense under Ja Morant. Winslow joins a young core of players in Memphis and I think will fit right in; something about his game just screams good fit with everything Memphis is about. He is joining two of his friends and college teammates, Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen, so I assume the locker room integration will be fine.
The Grizzlies players publicly started to feel some type of way about Iguodala. They felt disrespected and even insinuated that he is nowhere near as good as he thinks he is. When the trade happened, Dillon Brooks said “Now we have a player that we’re getting who actually wants to play with us and thinks we are good.” So there will be no love lost between the two sides, but unfortunately the two teams won’t meet again this year unless they both make the Finals which is not likely.
The deadline is today at 3 and it has been reported that this trade may not be done as the Thunder may be brought into this and part ways with Danilo Gallinari. That’s not final yet so we will wait and see. Regardless trade season moves on.
