Grizzlies Want First-Rounder for Andre Iguodala, Won’t Buy Him Out

Andre Iguodala with Golden State Warriors in 2017.
Andre Iguodala with Golden State Warriors in 2017. Photo by Robert John Herbert/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (7946500k)

One month in the new NBA season, Andre Iguodala is still a member of Memphis Grizzlies, even if that’s only on paper. And it looks like it will stay that way until someone gives up a first-round pick for him.

When Golden State Warriors dealt Iguodala to Grizzlies in a salary cut move, the majority of the league expected that the veteran forward will swiftly agree to a buyout and join a contender. That didn’t happen just yet, despite the two sides agreeing that the 35-year-old will remain away from the team until his status is resolved.

During his appearance on NBA Countdown, ESPN’s insider Adrian Wojnarowski said that Memphis won’t buy out Iguodala at all, and want interested parties like Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers and Houston Rockets to trade for him. The Grizzlies’ starting price is a first-rounder, and they are not willing to budge from that.

The big issue for most teams represents Andre Iguodala’s $17.2 million salary this season. Most championship contenders would have to give away the majority of their depth to facilitate this move, which doesn’t seem likely. Also, teams like Lakers and Clippers are lacking the draft assets to pull off such a move, which is why they were hopeful Iguodala will be available for free.

Iguodala averaged 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game last season, but he showed up in playoffs where he put up 9.8 points per game.

Harley loves music and tries to go to a music festival every summer. When he's not listening to music, he writes about movies, food and wine, art, and sport.