Andre Iguodala has sat out the entire season after being traded from Golden State to Memphis, with the understanding that he’d be traded to a contender or bought out at some point.
Many assumed he’d be heading to the Lakers or the Clippers, one way or another, but instead the Grizzlies are sending him to the East in a deal with the Miami Heat.
Memphis has agreed to a deal to send Andre Iguodala to Miami, league source tells ESPN. Iguodala agreed to trade and has agreed to a two-year, $30M extension with Miami.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020
The Heat are sending Justise Winslow to Memphis in the trade.
Justise Winslow is part of the package headed to Memphis in the Iguodala trade, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020
The Grizzlies did pretty well here, acquiring another young wing they can evaluate alongside Ja Morant while preserving their salary cap flexibility. After all, the main prize was the future Golden State first rounder they received for taking Iguodala in the first place and helping the Warriors shed salary.
Best way to look at it for Memphis is that you turned Andre Iguodala into Justise Winslow and a GSW 2024 FRP. Winslow is equal to signing a FA in July to a 2/26M contract with a TO in 21/22. Strong value for the Grizzlies.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 6, 2020
It also ends the Grizzlies mini-drama, as Ja and others had clearly grown tired of Iguodala’s absence while they fight for a playoff spot in the West (they’re currently 8th.)
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) February 4, 2020
(For what it’s worth, the Heat have already played Memphis twice this season, so Ja might have to wait until next season for that game.)
The Heat are the real story, though. They’re clearly going for it, which makes a ton of sense. The Bucks have Giannis, yes, and are clearly the favorite in the East. But Miami is in 4th and only 1.5 games out of the coveted second seed. Jimmy Butler is playing maybe his best basketball, but he’s 30. This is their window, and Iguodala signing an extension is a clear sign he agrees. Those terms are also team-friendly, likely because Iguodala wants them to be able to add around him going forward as well.
With a team-option for the 2021-22 season, Iguodala is allowing the Heat to keep salary cap flexibility for free agency, league sources tell ESPN. If Miami misses on recruiting a max star, the plan would be for Miami to guarantee that season's $15M, per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020
And they might not be done adding for this season, with Miami mentioned as a possible suitor for Thunder shooter Danilo Gallinari even before the Iggy deal was reported.
Pat Riley clearly sees an opportunity to make a run with these Heat: Riley has been working to trade for Memphis' Andre Iguodala AND Oklahoma City's Danilo Gallinari, league sources tell ESPN. Talks are ongoing.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020
That would be quite a haul, and there’s a chance Gallinari (an unrestricted free agent after this season) would also want to stay. A stretch four, he’s an ideal fit next to Butler. That might be getting ahead of things, but regardless, the Heat are clearly in the proper mindset: win now.
