The Andre Iguodala saga at the Memphis Grizzlies has come to an end. The Grizzlies have finally traded Andre Igoudala to Eastern Conference contenders Miami Heat. This is as per a report according to Adrian Wojnarowski. The Heat is sending Justise Winslow to the Grizzlies as part of the trade package.

Andre Iguodala has sat out the duration of the 2019-20 season. He was a key member of the Golden State Warriors that won three NBA titles. As an elite level two-way player, Iguodala was in demand by various title-contending teams looking to add the veteran to their roster.

The Heat is now making a statement. The acquisition of Iguodala is a clear intention that the team are expecting to make a deep playoff run at the very least.

The Heat had been in advanced negotiations to acquire Iguodala’s services.

Andre Iguodala and his stint with the Memphis Grizzlies

With the dismantling of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, Igoudala was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies at the time were a rebuilding project. Iguodala and the team had agreed it would be in the interest of both parties, for him to sit out the season.

The Grizzlies had no intention of buying out Iguodala’s contract. They wanted to trade him and acquire some assets. The Grizzlies focused on their young core players. Iguodala focused on keeping in shape away from the team, waiting for a suitor.

Trending

Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series

April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT

Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?

April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

“I Am Sorry to Her” – Caitlin Clark Responds to Her Third-Grade Teacher’s Special Message.

April 17, 2024 09:19 AM EDT

Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract

April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

However, the Memphis Grizzlies have punched above their weight. They sit 8th in the Western Conference with a 25-25 record. This puts them in playoff contention. People were beginning to question if Andre Iguodala should continue to sit out.

The situation caused a certain degree of discontent on the team’s youngsters. Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks expressed some discontent on social media.

It even caused one of Iguodala’s former teammates, in Stephen Curry come in and defend him. That did not deter rookie Ja Morant, who retaliated in with another social media post.

The Trade to the Miami Heat will bring closure to this chapter and allow all parties to move on.

The Miami Heat and their statement of intent

The Miami Heat possess a 34-15 record. They stand 4th in the Eastern Conference. The team are in a tight battle with the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors for the second seed. They still required a couple of pieces to possibly succeed for a deep playoff run.

The Heat currently possesses an average league offence, averaging 112.3 points a game. Their defence is above average conceding 107.9 points a game. The team required veteran leadership to boost their credentials.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Heat and Iguodala have negotiated a contract extension. There is a 2-year $30 million extension, with the second year being a team option. It should offer financial flexibility to the Heat in the 2021-22 season.

Igoudala’s arrival on the team will boost the prowess of the second unit. It adds much needed defensive grit and a leader for the second unit, complementing Goran Dragic.

With this trade, the Heat will be hoping to make a deep playoff run. Igoudala will be wanting to prove that his sitting out of the season to condition himself was worth the effort. The Miami Heat should ideally be looking for a conference finals showdown with the Milwaukee Bucks now.