NBA Rumors: Andre Iguodala Trade Would Upgrade Memphis Grizzlies

Andre Iguodala is the missing piece to the Memphis Grizzlies puzzle.  The Grizzlies have most of the pieces they need to be a title contender.  Trading for Iguodala would put the Grizzlies in good position to compete with the best teams.

Already, the Grizzlies have a formidable frontcourt with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Randolph is the type of player teams would die for, averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds per game.  Gasol is a nice third scoring option and a strong rebounder.  Gasol possesses the perfect shooting touch for a center.

At the swing position, Rudy Gay is an ideal scorer.  He can take control of the game with his scoring ability.  Gay has improved his shooting on a consistent basis.  Gay had his best shooting marks from the field, from three-point range and from the line last season.  Since recovering from elbow surgery, Gay has progressed very well.  He has made a very good showing in Impact Basketball, a training facility for professional basketball players. In the coming season, Gay could average better than 20 points per game for the first time in his career.

However, the Grizzlies guards have left much to be desired.  Mike Conley has struggled at point guard.  Conley has been burned on defense and isn't a very good passer.  O.J. Mayo has underwhelmed tremendously.  Mayo lacks a good shot and he only went 40.7 percent from the field last season.

Xavier Henry and Sam Young received starts last season, but Henry developed a chronically sore knee and Young lacks explosiveness.

How Iguodala Could Complete the Picture

Andre Iguodala would be a great addition for the Grizzlies.  Iguodala, who the 76ers placed on the trading block after their season ended, would help the Grizzlies guard situation remarkably. Iguodala would patch the Grizzlies at the scoring guard position.  

One doesn't need to be a rocket scientist to tell that Iguodala is ten times better than Mayo. Iguodala has the ability to score, pass and play defense.  

All three of those are much needed in the Grizzlies backcourt.  Perhaps most important, Iguodala, a seven-year pro, is the veteran facilitator that the Grizzlies need.  Iguodala can help move the ball around.  His passing ability would help the Grizzlies significantly.  He would be able to help push the ball into the post, enhancing scoring opportunities for Gasol and Randolph.  

Also, he may be able to help Conley improve as a passer.  Iguodala can school Conley as a passer.  Iguodala would set a good example for Conley.  He is the veteran presence that Shane Battier may not be able to provide the team for long, depending on whether the Grizzlies can find a place for Battier. 

Possible Trade Scenarios

Here are two possible trades that could bring Iguodala to the Grizzlies.

First, the Grizzlies could send O.J. Mayo and a 2012 first round draft pick to the 76ers for Iguodala.  The exchange would be relatively even in value.  Also, the Grizzlies would send Mayo to compensate for the loss at guard by the 76ers.

The 76ers may go for it since they likely won't need a replacement for Iguodala in the starting lineup at guard since their starting lineup will likely be set regardless of the player replacing him.

Evan Turner and Jrue Holliday would make a fine starting tandem for the 76ers at guard.  Thus, a replacement guard would not need to start for the 76ers.

In case the 76ers would ask for more in return for Iguodala, the Grizzlies could send Mayo, Darrell Arthur, and a 2012 first round draft pick.  Arthur was a significant contributor for the Grizzlies last season.  Similarly, he could be good coming off the bench for the 76ers.

Conclusion:  Grizzlies are a good fit for Iguodala.

Iguodala would do well landing with the Grizzlies.  His experience has shown that he is most effective when he is the third or fourth best player on the team, rather than the best or second best player.

In the past, the 76ers have saddled Iguodala with too much pressure, forcing him to try to come up with more scoring than he is capable.  Recently, the 76ers did better, surrounding him with Elton Brand and Turner.

Similarly, the Grizzlies would have him playing in his appropriate role.  With Gay and Randolph leading the team in scoring, Iguodala wouldn't be expected to score a great deal.  With Conley expected to do the work as the point guard, Iguodala would be able to settle into his proper facilitator role. Conversely, Iguodala would give the Grizzlies a lift.