NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Deals for Philly Better Than Andre Igoudala for Monta Ellis
In the weeks leading up to the 2011 NBA Draft, 76ers">Philadelphia 76ers' swingman Andre Iguodala has been the subject of more than a few rumors about his future address. The most prevalent speculation centers on the Golden State Warriors, who have reportedly offered Monta Ellis in exchange for Iguodala, much to the delight of many 76ers' fans.
There are a few other possibilities though that may make more sense for Philadelphia as they try to build on last season's 41-41 record. Here is a look at five deals that may just be better than the proposed Iguodala-for-Ellis swap.
Andre Iguodala to the L.A. Clippers for Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu
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The most pressing need for the 76ers is a physical center who can rebound and provide some sort of defensive presence in the paint. While Kaman fits the bill, the biggest stumbling block to any potential trade is Kaman's health—or specifically, the uncertainty surrounding it.
When healthy, Kaman is a legitimate double-double threat virtually every night. However, he has missed 133 games over the past four seasons with a variety of injuries—a fact not lost on the 76ers' front office. If the Clippers were to throw in a complimentary player (in this case, Al-Farouq Aminu), it may sweeten the package enough for Philadelphia to pull the trigger on a deal.
Iguodala would fit in perfectly with Los Angeles at the small forward position, and the Clippers' transition offense would be nothing short of explosive with him, Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies for Rudy Gay
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Grizzlies' owner Michael Heisley has repeatedly stated unwillingness to trade Rudy Gay this offseason. That being said, Gay (and virtually every player in the NBA) is by no means untouchable and could be had for the right price.
That right price could be Andre Iguodala.
From the 76ers' point of view, Gay is a more efficient scorer than Iguodala and a solid defender to boot. The downside to the move is Gay has four more years guaranteed on his deal at a total of approximately $68.7 million.
For the Grizzlies, Iguodala could slide into a point-forward role for Memphis, relieving point guard Mike Conley of some of his duties on the offensive end. Memphis was 21st in the league in assists last season—a ranking sure to improve with the addition of Iguodala, who is a fantastic playmaker at the forward spot.
Since Gay is a base-year compensation player who just signed his extension last offseason, this deal can't be consummated until July 1 or whenever the new league year begins, pending a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Iguodala, Nocioni to the Cavs for Varejao with Teams Swapping First-Round Picks
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This isn't just a salary dump for the 76ers. With Enes Kanter probably still available with the No. 4 pick, he'd be the perfect selection to anchor their (mostly) young starting lineup.
Philadelphia could even choose to go in a direction other than center considering Varejao is the epitome of the active, energetic big they've been missing in the low post.
He comes with a reasonable price tag as well: Varejao is locked in for the next three seasons at a total of $25.2 million, with a team option of $9.8 million in 2014-2015.
Cleveland's post-trade core of Irving, Iguodala, Jamison and Hickson is a marked improvement over some of the dreck they trotted out last year. With the No. 16 pick, the Cavaliers could even fill out their starting rotation if either of the draft's two best shooting guards—Colorado's Alec Burks or Washington State's Klay Thompson—are still on the board.
Andre Iguodala, the No. 16 Pick to Minnesota for the No. 2 Overall Pick
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Minnesota has made no secret about their desire to move the No. 2 pick in this year's NBA draft.
With little need for Kyrie Irving or Derrick Williams—the best two players on nearly every general manager's board—don't be surprised if the Timberwolves unload their selection instead of settling for whoever falls in their lap.
As June 23 gets closer, Minnesota may get increasingly desperate to make a deal, and the 76ers could be the lucky suitor waiting at the door, provided they have the best offer.
Philadelphia could select Williams with the No. 2 pick, or they could try to broker a deal and trade down to stockpile additional picks and/or players. Minnesota, meanwhile, could roll out a frontcourt trio of Iguodala, Beasley and Kevin Love come opening night. Those three, along with the addition of Ricky Rubio, could lift the Timberwolves from the doldrums of the NBA much sooner than most people expect.
Andre Iguodala, the No. 16 Pick to the Utah Jazz for No. 3 Overall Pick
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The Utah Jazz are in dire need of a wing player who can not only handle the ball, but who can also guard multiple positions on the defensive end.
Andre Iguodala, anyone?
With Andrei Kirilenko likely leaving Salt Lake City as a free agent this summer, Iguodala could easily take over his role as the team's defensive stopper/all-around offensive threat. Iguodala had the best assist-to-turnover ratio last season among non-guards (10th best overall) and could take some of the ball-handling pressure off PG Devin Harris.
The addition of Iguodala would also allow Utah to pass on picking up C.J. Miles' option year, thus saving them $3.7 million in 2011-2012. With their small forward situation resolved, the Jazz could use their other first-round pick (No. 12 overall) to address the uncertainty in their backcourt.
At the No. 3 spot, it would make the most sense for Philadelphia to select Kanter, who would instantly create a formidable duo with PF Elton Brand. Kanter, who was ruled ineligible to play last season at the University of Kentucky, has all of the tools to be an elite-level center in the NBA.
