By now, everybody knows the Golden State Warriors have sent 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies. But as the league moratorium is ending, more details are coming in with regards to the deal becoming official.
The Athletic‘s Shams Charania is reporting that the Warriors are receiving Julian Washburn from the Grizzlies in exchange for Iguodala, a draft pick and $2 million. Washburn appeared in 18 games for the Grizzlies in 2018-19, including three starts, and he averaged 2.2 points and 2.3 rebounds.
The Warriors are losing Iguodala after six seasons in the Bay Area, where he played 413 games and averaged 7.3 points and 3.4 assists per game. He was a key member of the Warriors’ five consecutive NBA Finals appearances and will have his No. 9 jersey raised to the rafters as a tribute to his contributions to the team.
By letting veterans like Iguodala, Kevin Durant and Shaun Livingston go, the Warriors are getting much younger as they begin to usher in a new era.
As far as Iguodala is concerned, it is widely believed that he will not remain with a rebuilding team like the Grizzlies. Memphis may look to contending teams around the league and offer him up in a trade.
A team like the Houston Rockets, for example, would value an experienced player like Iguodala on their quest to win an NBA title. A defensive-minded veteran like Iguodala would be a nice fit next to Chris Paul and James Harden in Houston (should both of those players return).
