As the February trade deadline approaches, it's becoming more clear that Andre Iguodala will soon exit from the Grizzlies, and the manner to be dictated by the Memphis front office. The club has again reiterated that the former Finals MVP will be traded and on the terms pre-determined by team executives.
The agreement between Iguodala and Memphis is that the player will continue on his personal training while a suitable destination for him is being worked out. The Grizzlies have indicated that their acquisition from the Golden State Warriors will be handled as they see fit.
According to Bleacher Report, Memphis is adamant that a trade deal on Iguodala will be sealed soon, citing the report from Omari Sankofa II of The Athletic.
"The Grizzlies are certain that Iguodala will be moved before the deadline and have engaged several teams on frameworks for potential deals. There's confidence that Memphis will be able to land a first-round pick or promising young player in return, as preferred by the front office," Sankofa was reported as saying.
The report added there is no interest at all on Grizzlies' part to go to the route of buyout amid suggestions interested teams will just wait out for Memphis to give in. A buyout will offer better flexibility for teams looking to acquire the former NBA champion, aside from having to absorb Iguodala's expensive contract.
It seemed Memphis executives are convinced they will be of the advantage in the Iguodala deal, said the report, adding "they know they'll be able to get something and won't have to buy him out."
It's unclear which NBA clubs are negotiating with the Grizzlies on Iguodala as reports have earlier indicated that the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Los Angeles Lakers - the teams supposedly bent on landing the All-Star - have decided to wait and see.
The stance taken by the mentioned teams was due to the absence of assets that would interest Memphis.
In any case, the Grizzlies buying out Iguodala's contract could pave the way for the player's return to the Bay Area, according to Clutch Points.
"Some have speculated a potential return to the Warriors next season once the hard-cap restrictions are lifted," the report said.
Understandably, Iguodala would prefer a return to the team he first played for in 2013. As the report suggested, Iguodala has established deep relationships with his former teammates and made considerable business investments in the area - things that serve as a strong pull to go back.
