2011 NBA Trade Speculation: Andrei Kirilenko for Andre Iguodala?
Andrei Kirilenko for Andre Iguodala?
Thousands of trade rumors have exploded across the web involving the Philadelphia 76ers' star Andre Iguodala. Although he hasn't asked for a trade, Iguodala has sent a clear message to the 76ers officials that he wants out of Philly.
On August 12, 2008, Andre Iguodala apparently agreed to a six-year, $80 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. With three years still left on that contract, he's a very appealing trade piece for many General Managers around the league--including Utah Jazz GM, Kevin O'Connor.
Utah Jazz player Andrei Kirilenko's maxed-out contract expires this year, and there is no doubt in anyone's mind that he is a valuable trade asset. Kirilenko is reportedly making over $15 million this season, and Iguodala's paycheck rounds out at just above $13 million.
Thirty-year-old Andre Kirilenko's career stats amount to 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.0 blocks per game. He is lethal on the defensive end and can provide a lot of options on offense. During the 2010-11 season, he averaged only 11.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
Andre Iguodala, 27 years old, has averaged 15.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.8 steals per outing throughout his career. He is an extremely versatile player on both ends of the floor, and is the unspoken "go-to-guy" at the end of the game. During the 2010-11 season, Iguodala averaged just 14.1 points but grabbed 5.8 rebounds and dished out 6.3 assists.
A trade involving Utah and Philadelphia would most likely look like this:
Utah Receives:
Andre Iguodala, Forward/Guard
Philadelphia Receives:
Andrei Kirilenko, Forward
Jeremy Evans, Forward/Guard
12th Pick in the 2011 NBA Draft
(Utah would have to throw in their lottery pick in order to entice the 76ers to pull the trigger on the trade.)
The Jazz would essentially sign-and-trade Andrei Kirilenko for somewhat less than Iguodala's contract price of approximately $13 million; this ensures that the trade is as equal as possible and approved by the league officials.
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Philly gains a prolific defender and team-player while Utah replaces all-star guard Deron Williams with another great player at the forward position.
Is this trade realistic? I think so.
