Rockets Trade Rumors: Andre Iguodala Targeted the Week of Russell Westbrook Deal

The Houston Rockets were reportedly engaged in trade talks for Memphis Grizzlies swingman Andre Iguodala before landing Russell Westbrook.

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported Iguodala was among the players general manager Daryl Morey targeted, though it's unclear how far along discussions went. The Grizzlies have held on to Iguodala since acquiring him from the Golden State Warriors earlier this month, likely hoping a team would give up draft compensation.

It's unclear if Houston still has interest in Iguodala via trade. His $17.2 million salary makes a trade nearly impossible given the Rockets' roster construction, so it would require them giving up either Eric Gordon or PJ Tucker, along with more salary filler in the latter's case.

They could have been exploring making Iguodala part of a larger trade package that saw them get out from under Chris Paul's contract, but their win-now edict made that difficult. The Westbrook trade was seemingly the only deal available that made financial and basketball sense.

Iguodala could be an option for the Rockets (and many other teams) if he reaches a buyout agreement with Memphis. However, the rebuilding Grizzlies appear to be willing to play the long game despite having little use for a 35-year-old sixth man.

If the Grizzlies waived Iguodala, he would have no shortage of interested suitors. Nearly every contender would put out a feeler, and the Rockets seem like they'd be on a shortlist of teams Iguodala would consider. Houston has a need for a versatile wing defender aside from Tucker, who typically handles the team's toughest defensive assignments.

---

ESPN columnist/commentator, Howard Bryant, joins The Full 48 with Howard Beck to debate the hypothetical effect of abolishing free agency, the luxury tax, and the draft in the NBA.