NBA Trade Talk: Ranking the Top 5 Teams That Need Andre Iguodala

The Philadelphia 76ers are in perhaps the worst place to be for an NBA franchise: mediocrity. Trading their most sought after bargaining chip, while a difficult pill to swallow, makes the most sense for this once proud franchise. Each of the following trade possibilities have their own risks and rewards, but what trade doesn’t? Here are the top five trade destinations for Andre Iguodala. 

Orlando Magic

J. Meric/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 19: Jameer Nelson #14 of the Orlando Magic shoots against the Atlanta Hawks during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2011 at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User

The Magic are desperate to keep Dwight Howard, and what better way to entice him to stay than by adding this versatile and talented player? A major stumbling block would be the possible players in return (Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu). The Sixers already have Jrue Holiday at point guard—he could shift to off guard, but that is not his best position. 

Chicago Bulls

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 26: Luol Deng #9 of the Chicago Bulls dunks against LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 26, 2011 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: Us

Chicago feels as if they were this close to coming out of the East and could offer Luol Deng in return. Deng is pretty athletic, would provide more length and has improved every year. Igoudala would be the second proven scorer that the Bulls crave. 

Atlanta Hawks

Doug Benc/Getty Images

ATLANTA - MAY 03: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates celebrates after dunking over Joel Anthony #50 of the Miami Heat during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Philips Arena on May 3, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Hawks defe

It's no secret that Josh Smith is disgruntled in Atlanta, and a change of scenery might do him a world of good. He would provide the Sixers with an extremely athletic player who can dunk in your face on one end and block a ball in your face on the other. Igoudala would provide another piece to Atlanta’s ever-improving puzzle.

Los Angeles Clippers

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 3: Chris Kaman #35 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won 107-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

ESPN's Marc Stein reported on June 9 that the 76ers and Clippers were discussing swapping Chris Kaman and Andre Iguodala. While this trade would make sense in the short-term, Kaman has only one year left on his contract. Essentially, Philly would be getting a good center in a possible salary dump situation, with no guarantee of signing a top-flight free agent after next season. 

Golden State Warriors

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 04: Monta Ellis #8 of the Golden State Warriors takes a shot over Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics on March 4, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Warriors 107-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressl

The Sixers are itching for a known scorer, and Monta Ellis would fill the bill nicely. They could live with Ellis’ mediocre defense because Jrue Holiday can potentially become a top-tier defender. And the Sixers’ dismal record in games decided by eight points or less (13-25) could make a positive turnaround. Finally, Philly would be saving about $8 million off the remaining three years left on Igoudala’s contract. 

In Conclusion...

There are still other possibilities where Igoudala could land, such as Portland or even the Lakers, but that would just be speculation and rumor…and who wants to hear that? In any event, Igoudala should probably have his suitcases packed and ready by the front door.