The Memphis Grizzlies' stubborn stance on Andre Iguodala has finally paid off. Aware that the NBA Trade deadline was fast winding down, the Miami Heat turned out to be the next stop of the 36-year-old swingman. Memphis got Justise Winslow in return.
According to NBA.com, the Heat will give also offer Iguodala a two-year contract extension worth $30 million. It was a stunning development considering critics were practically expecting a buyout to happen. And while the Grizzlies reiterated it would not happen, Miami just simplified the matter and beat other teams to the 2015 NBA Finals MVP.
The acquisition should boost the Heat's bid this coming NBA playoff. As of this writing, the South Beach squad is fourth in the NBA Eastern Conference with a 34-16 win-loss record. Their run has caught most by surprise. Jimmy Butler has found a way to co-exist with young stars like Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro accounting for the Heat's surprise surge.
Iguodala's coming may have come at the right time for head coach Erik Spoelstra. Butler suffered a shoulder injury in their loss to the Los Angeles Clippers recently and may be out for some time. He is likely to undergo MRI to find out the extent of his injury, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reported.
The Heat are likely to take it slow trying to integrate Iguodala into their system. He has not played a single game this season although the one-time NBA champion says he has kept himself in shape. Even more intriguing is the two-year deal.
As most know, it is no secret that Iguodala has plans to return to the Golden State Warriors at one point. Assuming he plays out the full two-years with the Heat, that means he would be 38 by then. Though another trade could happen between the Heat and the Dubs, it will be interesting if the 9th overall pick of the 2004 NBA Draft would still be of interest to other teams.
Regardless, the important thing right now is the Iguodala is expected to be playing NBA ball once again. It was a strenuous wait and the 6-foot-6 was drawing criticism for holding out, ESPN reported. He did explain that it was more of a good business decision and that he hoped to amicably part ways with the Grizzlies. With the NBA trade going down, it seems to have ended up well for both sides.
