As we’ve heard all season long, the Grizzlies remain confident that they can trade Andre Iguodala and won’t need to buy him out of his contract, writes Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
“We will trade him, period,” A Grizzlies executive told Pincus. “We’ve gone far enough into the structure of deals with more than one team to say that [confidently].”
Marc Stein of The New York Times reported last month that Dallas isn’t expected to pursue Iguodala, but multiple executives still view the Mavericks as the best potential trade partner for Memphis, according to Pincus. One Western Conference executive speculated that the leak to Stein was “posturing,” suggesting that the Mavs and Grizzlies may be haggling over the Warriors’ 2020 second-rounder that Dallas holds.
Pincus shared a few more trade rumors and tidbits from around the NBA, so let’s round up the highlights…
- Aron Baynes is believed to be on the Clippers‘ radar, and Pincus notes that Sam Vecenie of The Athletic recently suggested a Baynes/Ivica Zubac swap between the Suns and Clips. It’s unclear if the two sides have actually discussed such a deal or if it would interest either club, but Pincus suggests that Baynes would be a better complement to Montrezl Harrell.
- Speaking of Harrell, the Clippers have had internal discussions about his future, but have yet to make any decisions on that front, per Pincus. Harrell will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.
- If the Suns remain in the playoff hunt, they’re unlikely to trade Baynes. In fact, they may be more inclined to pursue upgrades, perhaps targeting power forwards like Kevin Love (Cavaliers) or Danilo Gallinari (Thunder). Gallinari is believed to be higher on Phoenix’s wish list, says Pinucs. “Not many teams will have cap space next summer. The Suns probably would be able to re-sign Gallinari at a much better price (than Love’s contract),” one Western Conference exec said. “There’s uncertainty, especially if they give up a first-rounder, but the difference in price would make Gallinari the better target.”
- While multiple executives believe the Pacers will eventually trade one of either Domantas Sabonis or Myles Turner, the team itself remains content with its “old-school” frontcourt duo, according to Pincus.
Courtney lee will be traded. I dont see the mavs trading anyone else.
Then again the Mavs Rondo, and Porzingas trade came out of nowhere
They could trade Lee and a 2nd round pick for Iggy.
Don’t see the logic behind a Baynes for Zubac swap unless its for cap space. Zubac is younger, knows the system, is having a great year. Add Baynes for another piece or two works better. Clipps are missing another big man
Does anyone other than a reporter (who doesn’t get a vote) believe Baynes is a better fit than Zubac for the Clips. I agree (for this year anyway), but I don’t get a vote either. The Suns might agree as to them; they made a point of adding high IQ bigs with ball moving / floor spacing ability to (with Rubio) complement Ayton and (along with Rubio) their young wings.
Pincus’ take on the Mavs is misinformed. He is a great capologist and plugged into the LA teams, but he isn’t going to have more scoop on Dallas than Stein. Mavs don’t want Iggy. They have one of the better 3 and D wings in the league in Finney-Smith. The last thing Dallas would do is bump him from the rotation in favor of an older Iguodala that costs them trade capital. Watch a Mavs game (not Sportscenter highlights) and you will agree. I also find it hysterical that the price somehow rises for Iguodala after he hasn’t played a minute all year and the season is almost half gone. If Memphis really had a quality trade lined up, they would have already pulled the trigger.
Seems like posturing on the Grizzlies side. Trading draft picks or other assets for a player with his salary and that clearly wants a buyout doesn’t make sense. The two LA teams could be competing once again, this time in the buyout market for Collison and Iggy. Things could get interesting.
Trade Turner. Keep Sabonis!
As a Mavs fan I’ll wait for the buy out or pass
The Suns won’t save much with Gallo but it might be enough. Love with Ayton would be a better fit and Love & Tyler Johnson could fit with salries. But GM Altman offered Love so much income that they might be stuck.