NBA Trade Speculation: Andre Iguodala an Option for the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The Cavaliers received a much-needed facelift on draft night by selecting Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson, two players who will certainly contribute right away.
While the draft was an exciting time for all Cavalier fans, it has passed. The team that is currently constructed still has some holes. Holes large enough to drive two semis through.
The Cavs still are without a quality shooting guard and small forward. Alonzo Gee, Christian Eyenga and Manny Harris did their best last season, but surely are not suitable starters in the NBA.
Anthony Parker will probably not be brought back due to age and decline in production. The Cavs have shown some interest in Ohio State's David Lighty, who could certainly start for the Cavs.
The Cavs possess some attractive assets and of course the traded player exception. Selecting Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson makes Ramon Sessions and J.J. Hickson expendable.
The current roster will surely look different before the start of next season (lockout pending). Ryan Hollins picked up his option for 2011-12 for an estimated two and a half million dollars. He has little value but could be included in a deal to make salaries match.
There is a good chance that Manny Harris, Joey Graham, Luke Harangody, Semih Erden and Ryan Hollins will likely be playing elsewhere next season. Alonzo Gee and Christian Eyenga will make the roster because of their positions. Neither one of them should start.
One player that the Cavs have had interest in for a couple of years now is Andre Iguodala. He is currently playing for the Philadelphia 76ers and is a small forward. He is a solid defender and is known for his athleticism and energy.
His contract is worth roughly $43M over the next three years, but he is one of only two players who averaged at least 14 points, five rebounds and five assists last season. Who was the other player to do so? LeBron James.
Iguodala is definitely not a great shooter but has averaged almost 16 points per game for his career, certainly nothing to sneeze at. He is also capable of making three point shots and has made 75 percent of his free throws in his career.
Iguodala certainly could be labeled the "jack of all trades." The Cavs need scoring and defense. If they can acquire him, Cleveland will surely win more than 19 games next season. Iguodala in a Cavs uniform, what's not to like?
