In an effort to clear salary in a sign-and-trade with the Brooklyn Nets, the Warriors are trading veteran Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies along with a 2024 protected first-round pick (protected 1-4), 2025 (protected 1) and 2026 (protected), according to ESPN. Iguodala is on the final year of his contract that would have paid him $17.2 million.
Although the Warriors value Iguodala for his playmaking, defense and smarts, the Warriors felt the need to trade one of their valued players to unload salary. With Kevin Durant leaving for the Brooklyn Nets, the Warriors had also completed a sign-and-with Brooklyn that landed them D'Angelo Russell, Treveon Graham and Shabazz Napier. That gives the Warriors some backcourt depth to complement Steph Curry and account for Klay Thompson expecting to miss at least half of next season with a torn ACL in his left knee.
In a wide-ranging interview with Bay Area News Group last week to promote his recently released memoir, Iguodala recognized the uncertain landscape ahead.
"I'm confident I'll be back. If not, there are no hard feelings," Iguodala said. "You want nothing but the best, especially with the way I feel with Steph. Wherever Steph is at, I want him to do well. You know how I feel about Steph."
