The Heat have emerged as a potential suitor for Grizzlies forward Andre Iguodala, according to Shams Charania of Stadium (video link), who reports that the two teams have had discussions.
While Miami would be a nice on-court fit for Iguodala, it may be tricky for the two teams to come to a trade agreement that works for everyone. The Heat’s only sizable expiring contracts belong to Meyers Leonard and Goran Dragic, who are key parts of the team’s rotation and seem unlikely to be moved for the former Finals MVP. As such, Memphis would likely have to be willing to take on a multiyear deal, with James Johnson, Dion Waiters, Kelly Olynyk, and perhaps even Justise Winslow among the candidates.
[RELATED: Dillon Brooks On Iguodala: Can’t Wait Until We Trade Him]
Additionally, the Heat are right up against a hard cap this season, so they won’t be able to take on more money than they send out. For instance, even though Johnson’s $15.35MM cap hit meets the salary-matching requirements to take back Iguodala’s $17.19MM salary, Miami would have to send out at least one more player because it can’t accommodate that extra money.
Finally, the Heat don’t have much draft capital available to dangle in trade talks, having moved so many of their future picks already. Their next available picks for trade purposes would be a conditional 2024 second-rounder or a conditional 2025 first-rounder. They also control the less favorable of the Sixers’ and Nuggets’ 2022 second-round picks, which could be included in a deal.
On top of all those roadblocks, there’s the question of whether or not Iguodala would be happy to land with the Heat. South Beach is a popular destination for most NBA players and Miami is a legit contender in the East, so presumably the 36-year-old would be satisfied with that outcome. However, Charania notes that Iguodala may want to play closer to home on the West Coast, and a report on Monday indicated the veteran could sit out the rest of the season if he isn’t sent to one of his preferred landing spots.
Although it’s not clear what those preferred landing spots are, it’s probably safe to assume the Lakers and Clippers are among them. If Iguodala is bought out, the two L.A. teams would likely be the frontrunners to sign him, but the Grizzlies have insisted all season long that they’ll find a pre-deadline trade involving the ex-Warrior. We’ll find out this week if they’re right.
If the heat trade for him I hope they miss the playoffs
They are 16.5 games up on the 9th place team in the east, so I don’t think you will get your wish.
Anyone who trades something of value for Iggy won’t be helping themselves. The only way he can help another team is if the Grizzlies swallow their pride and buy him out, then let him sign with a serious contender.
Not happening ya boot licker
In the worst scenario they will give him on Mavs for Courtney Lee and a second round pick.
Is Miami one of his preferred destinations?
Re-worded that part to make it clear we don’t really know.
Iggy, grow up and go play for Memphis. They have a real shot at the playoffs, and your veteran leadership could be extremely valuable to them. You play a couple of months, become an FA and then move out West.
Johnson and Winslow for Iggy and Crowder would work. I imagine they still want a pick. But that would be an upgrade for Miami, at least for 1 season.
Question. Does Memphis have to pay Iggy if he sits out? Doesn’t that violate his contract??
From everything I’ve read the Grizzlies agreed to let him not show up and not pursue any fines or punishment. Either they were sure (and wrong) they could trade him before the season started, or they were scared what sort of hell he could raise if they did threaten fines and forced him to be there.
They “agreed” so no. But I blame the so-called Iggy for grumpiness.
Iggy could get jiggy with Butler on dance floor in South Beach. Domino’s on days off and a mirror of SoCal weather. Would be a mini vacation for him with another title shot, maybe.
Waiters, JJ for Iggy, Josh Jackson works out for both teams.