In a wild chain of events during NBA Free Agency, the Memphis Grizzlies were able to steal Andre Iguodala and a future pick away from the Golden State Warriors.
In a surprising move near the conclusion of the first day of the 2019 NBA Free Agency period, the Memphis Grizzlies acquired veteran forward Andre Iguodala and a future first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State is trading Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies, league source tells ESPN. Warriors are sending a 2024 protected first-round pick in the 2024 (protected 1-4), 2025 (protected 1) and 2026 unprotected.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019
The deal comes as a result of a sign and trade scenario between Golden State and the Brooklyn Nets, in which D’Angelo Russell was dealt to the Warriors and subsequently signed to a reported four-year, $117 million dollar max contract.
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While the veteran forward is not the player he was in his prime, he has still been a valuable bench piece for Golden State since Steve Kerr took over as head coach. Even in his age 35 season, he was a difference-maker on defense, registering a 1.7 defensive box plus-minus score, showing that he still has the ability to effectively match up on the defensive end of the court.
Iguodala’s ability to guard positions one through three and sometimes even smaller fours will make him a valuable asset for new head coach Taylor Jenkins. While his defense is Iguodala’s calling card, he was still a net positive on the offensive end as well, albeit a small one, registering a .2 offensive box plus minus.
The greatest aspect he may bring, however, is the championship and All-Star pedigree sorely lacking on a talented, but young, Grizzlies roster. His veteran leadership may well prove invaluable to young players such as Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant.
Memphis also acquired one first-round pick from Golden State in the deal, which happens to be Golden State’s 2024 first-round pick that could be conveyed as late as 2026. While the pick is five, six, or seven years in the future, it is possible it could turn out to be a gem as the Warriors’ championship core is not getting any younger and likely will not be in contention a half-decade from now.
With the earlier re-signing of Jonas Valanciunas, things are beginning to take shape for the 2019-20 iteration of Grizzlies basketball.