Warriors Rumors: Latest Buzz on Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston Ahead of July 1
Creating a superteam is difficult. Maintaining it is another beast altogether.
With megastars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant both in need of new contracts this summer, the Golden State Warriors have their hands tied when it comes to role players like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston, overlooked and underrated members of the title-winning powerhouse.
It’s a real possibility that both players leave, but according to reports, Durant is open to take a pay cut to bring them back.
Let's look at the latest ahead of the opening of free agency Saturday.
Andre Iguodala
According to The Vertical's Shams Charania, Golden State owner Joe Lacob is concerned about paying the luxury tax to re-sign Iggy:
Anthony Slater of the Mercury News chimed in, saying that Iguodala's reported willingness to leave could've been leaked as a leverage play:
Slater wrote last Monday that if Durant takes a pay cut—something like $31.8 million instead of the max of $35.3 million—Golden State could retain Iguodala's Bird rights and exceed the cap. That's where Charania's report comes in.
Since June 19, something could have changed. Iguodala turns 34 in January, and Charania indicated he could get a deal for a hefty $20 million annually. For context, Rudy Gobert ($21.2 million) and Paul George ($19.5 million) will be in the same price range next season.
"I don't know," general manager Bob Myers said of Iguodala's situation last week, per Slater. "Free agency is predictably unpredictable. We love Andre. Hopefully we can find a way to make it work for not just him but all of our guys. But as far as specifics, there's not a lot—and the rules make sense—there's not a lot we can say definitively one way or the other."
This week, ESPN.com's Chris Haynes reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz are expected to vie for Iguodala's services.
Haynes added that there's a growing idea "within NBA circles" to counter Golden State's reign by plucking away pieces rather than assembling a giant themselves. A team like the Jazz or Spurs snatching up Iguodala is the perfect example.
Iggy won the 2015 Finals MVP award and has become one of the Warriors' go-to defenders, especially against LeBron James. He's averaged 7.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists the past three years.
Losing Iguodala would hurt, but it wouldn't derail the Warriors, as long as the stairs remain onboard.
Shaun Livingston
Livingston's situation is similar to that of Iguodala. Re-signing him would likely require a pay cut from KD, who, per ESPN.com's Marc Stein, "plans to wait until after the team completes the bulk of its summer business."
This will allow the Dubs, in theory, to take care of all their other business before re-upping No. 35. It's a selfless move on Durant's part. Don't worry about another suitor swooping in, though, Dubs fans: Stein added that the 2017 Finals MVP will "not be fielding any outside offers."
"Once the Warriors sort out the future of those three vital pieces, they'll likely move on to Shaun Livingston," Slater wrote. "If Durant takes that pay cut, the Warriors can go over the cap to sign him, but it's unlikely they'll offer near the money he could get on the open market, should he want to explore."
Little is known about Livingston's interest in departing from the three-time reigning Western Conference champions. He (understandably) seems to truly value the accomplishments, per Caitlin Conrad of KSBW Action News 8:
Haynes reported it's "anticipated that he could command a salary of at least $10 million and up to $12 million per season." Again, that's a serious investment for a player who averaged 5.1 points and 1.8 assists.
But like Iguodala, Livingston's contributions go beyond the box score. Despite a total lack of a jumper, the 31-year-old veteran brings genuine value in defense, playmaking and midrange shooting. (Seriously, has the guy ever missed a turnaround from the block?)
Money is money, and both players have a pair of titles under their belts. Even still, it's safe to tentatively expect Livingston—and Iguodala, for that matter—back in the Bay thanks in part to Durant's flexibility.
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