For Andre Iguodala, one thing is clear - he will not stay for long in Memphis. But the manner of his exit from the Grizzlies remains the big question mark. The latest reports suggested it will be by way of trade and Iggy will be shipped to where the best offer will come from.
Iguodala will soon wear a different jersey, and that is an outcome that Memphis has been working on. It might be that the NBA is still weighing the available options on the matter, but buying him out seemed out of the question.
According to NBC Sports, a buyout is not happening as far as Iguodala is concerned. The report pointed to Kevin O'Connor as the source of its information.
"The Grizzlies will trade Iguodala-it's only a matter of when and to whom. According to a source, Memphis is open to any type of trade package, including deals that bring back a long-term salary," O'Connor was reported as saying.
In effect, the negotiations between the 2015 Finals MVP and the Grizzlies have reached a stalemate. The latter, it appeared, have decided to rule out a buyout, which Iguodala has indicated was his preferred mode of departure from Memphis.
Another sticking point on the discussion is Iggy's hardline stance on the salary question. The report said there is no way the three-time NBA champion will be giving back a portion of the expected $17.2 million pay he'll get in the season.
"At this point, the only buyout that makes sense - if I'm speaking on someone else's behalf, thinking as an agent - is you don't leave money on the table," Iguodala was reported as saying.
As things stand now, the plan by the Los Angeles Lakers to acquire Iguodala seemed more difficult to realize now. Bleacher Report said the Lakers would want somebody like Iggy on their roster, convinced that the former GSW will bring with him experience and leadership, apart from wing depth when operating on the court.
With Iguodala around, it is anticipated that the load will lighten up on LeBron James so he can focus on winning.
However, with buyout not on the cards for Memphis, it is imperative for the Lakers to get creative so they can get their hands on the prized NBA veteran. Per the same report, the LA club is limited by a salary cap, so they will need to look for assets to offer and convince Memphis to sit down and talk.
The Lakers sealing a deal with the Grizzlies will surely boost the team's campaign to win a title. Clutch Points said Iguodala is worth the trouble for his "elite basketball IQ and championship-caliber," adding the sixth-man might the piece to complete the team's ambition of getting back to the championship circle.
