Andre Iguodala Trade Rumors: 10 Teams He Will Take from Pretenders to Contenders
In case you haven't been paying attention to the NBA for the past year, allow me to let you in on a little secret us NBA insiders know: The Philadelphia 76ers are shopping Andre Iguodala.
At the midway point of the season, teams know what they want, who they are and what they need to improve their playoff and championship chances. While Iguodola has failed to live up to his massive contract, he is an All-Star caliber player who can bring it on offense and defense.
Here are 10 teams that would flourish if they were able to acquire his services.
No. 10: Cleveland Cavaliers
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I don't think the addition of Iguodola would turn the Cavs into championship contenders, but it would help them contend to be a legitimate NBA team.
The Cavs could use a package fronted by either Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao or Antawn Jamison to land Iguodola from the Sixers. He would bring some much-needed energy to a franchise struggling to find any life in the wake of "The Decision" and more importantly give them someone who can put up some points.
No. 9: Milwaukee Bucks
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The Bucks need someone to pair in the backcourt with Brandon Jennings. It has become painfully obvious that Michael Redd's body will not allow him to be that guy.
The Bucks are still on the hook for his massive salary and may be hesitant to bring on Iguodala's, but they could trade Salmons and one or two other bench players and get an instant spark. This would allow the young Bucks to contend for the playoffs and set their organization in the right direction.
No. 8: Indiana Pacers
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The Pacers are hovering around the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff bracket and are doing it without getting much of a contribution from the shooting guard position.
They have a number of contracts they could try to throw together to try and land A.I. without changing their core. Darren Collison, Danny Granger and Iguodala would provide an outstanding perimeter for the Pacers.
No. 7: Detroit Pistons
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The Pistons have lost their identity and are often left playing with a disgusting lack of energy. Like the Pacers, they lurk near the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff ladder. Something needs to change.
They could either ship out Richard Hamilton or Ben Gordon and shake up their lineup while adding some much-needed athleticism and spark.
No. 6: New Orleans Hornets
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With the Hornets' ownership (or lack thereof) situation, they may not be looking to add a salary like Iguodala's. There is no doubt that if they did, it would push them back to the top of the Western Conference.
The Hornets are currently 27-16 and have done it without getting much from their shooting guards. The Hornets would have a hard time putting together a package to land A.I. and would likely have to involve another team, but his addition would give them a fast and athletic team.
No. 5: New York Knicks
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Well, the Knicks are in position to trade for a star. I think it is pretty obvious that Iguodala is not their first choice, but it may make more sense. The Knicks don't currently have a legitimate starting shooting guard on their roster.
A backcourt of A.I. and Raymond Felton would be an instant upgrade and provided some much-needed defense.
No. 4: Dallas Mavericks
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When Caron Butler fell with a season-ending knee injury, the trade-happy Mavericks became instant candidates to land Iguodala. The Mavericks are in desperate need to replace Butler's 29 minutes a game.
While Iguodala may not have the shooting that the Mavericks are looking for, he would boost their athleticism and give them the perimeter defense they lack.
No. 3: Chicago Bulls
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The Bulls are one of the hottest teams in the NBA and are doing that with a shooting guard combo of Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer. Needless to say, Iguodala would be an instant upgrade.
The Bulls may have a hard time landing A.I. without trading one of their stars, but if they can, they would instantly be legitimate final contenders.
No. 2: Utah Jazz
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The only true shooting guard on the Jazz roster is Raja Bell. The Jazz are probably relying on Bell more than his aging legs can handle.
If the Jazz could convince the Sixers to take Mehmet Okur's contract for Iguodala, they would add some athleticism and depth while giving them the versatility to conted with the Western Conference's big dogs.
No. 1: Oklahoma City Thunder
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The young Thunder are probably one piece away from being a serious title contender.
Thabo Sefolosha provides the Thunder with some above average defense, but that is about it. He brings zero to the offensive table and it allows his defender to help off of him onto either Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
If the Thunder could add Iguodala, they would maintain their perimeter defense and instantly upgrade their offensive attack.
