Andre Iguodala to the Clippers: Guide to the Potential Move

Andre Iguodala's name was heavily linked to the Los Angeles Clippers in NBA rumors throughout the offseason.

As an insanely athletic small forward who would fit in very nicely alongside fellow superior athletes Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, Iguodala's presence along the front line would really bolster the attack.

Marc Stein of ESPN wrote on the Iguodala rumors when they were in full effect, and multiple outlets had confirmed that the two sides had discussions about a package centering around Iguodala and Clippers' center Chris Kaman.

There's no doubt that the Sixers have shown a previous willingness to part with Iguodala, but the situation remains fluid and one that has changed several times since the offseason began.

Should the two sides re-engage in discussions for No. 9, here's how it could all unfold.

How It Could Happen: Trade

With just over $28 million guaranteed over the next two years of his contract and a player option for approximately $16 million for a third, Iguodala isn't going to be signing a contract as a free agent in a new destination anytime soon.

Because of the hefty financial commitment owed to him, the Clippers' sole chances of landing him in a different shade of red is to go the trade route.

As previously noted, the discussions had centered around a swap of Kaman and Iguodala, which makes sense for both sides.

The big man has just a single year and $12.2 million left on his current contract, and his presence in the middle as well as his expiring contract both undoubtedly appeal to a Sixers team that's looking to turn the corner.

The two sides could match up pretty nicely on this one, as the Sixers have Evan Turner and (restricted free agent) Thaddeus Young primed for larger roles, and Iguodala could potentially serve as a solid mentor for Al-Farouq Aminu.

Potential Trade:

Los Angeles Receives: SF Andre Iguodala, PF Marreese Speights

The Clippers get Iguodala to bolster the starting unit and add Speights to be a productive big man off the bench to serve as reasonable insurance for Blake Griffin and bridge to Trey Thompkins.

Philadelphia Receives: C Chris Kaman, SG Randy Foye, lottery-protected first-round draft pick

The Sixers finally receive a true center capable of clogging the lane, receive increased financial flexibility for the long-term and open up playing time for both Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young.

How Iguodala Fits in with the Clippers

Iguodala would be a natural fit alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, and the trio arguably provides Los Angeles with the most athletic front line in all of the NBA.

The point forward could aid to facilitate the offensive flow, as current starting point guard Mo Williams isn't exactly a master of distribution.

An element of his game that has really displayed itself recently, Iguodala's passing abilities are elite from the small forward position.

During the 2010-11 season, Iguodala averaged an impressive 6.3 assists per game compared to just 2.1 turnovers, good for a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

He also turned in an impressive 1.5 steals per game, and Iguodala's obvious abilities with the ball in his hands is extremely unique.

While he did experience a slight dip in his scoring average from where it stood previously, that isn't a pattern that's likely to be for the long haul.

Chances of Clippers Winning a Championship with Iguodala

The Clippers are definitely a team on the rise, but it's a crowded Western Conference and the climb to the top isn't going to be swift.

The club already has a promising future with Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon to build around, and Iguodala's arrival would definitely help to achieve prominence sooner rather than later.

However, there are young teams like Oklahoma City, Portland Memphis as well as currently competitive clubs like Los Angeles (Lakers), Dallas and San Antonio to contend with prior to the Clippers making the ascension to the top.

The future of the Clippers is brighter than the past, but for a franchise that has been a perennial bottom-feeder in the standings, there's only one way to go: up.

It's going to take more than Iguodala's arrival to push the Clippers into the legitimate championship conversation, but there's no question that the team could certainly make a push sooner than most might imagine.

Odds of Iguodala Landing in Los Angeles

Current Odds: 15 percent

The rumors of Iguodala coming to Los Angeles have cropped up more than once, and the two sides could re-engage in discussions at any time.

However, the Sixers turned down an offer of Kaman and Gomes in exchange for Iguodala and Marreese Speights (via Ken Berger of CBS Sports), and it's unclear as to the team maintains an interest in moving him to a different zip code.

Iguodala's value doesn't lie solely in his offensive attack, and his standout defense is something that the Sixers will definitely take into account when listening to any offer.

The team has made it clear that should Iguodala be moved, it's not going to be a move that is motivated primarily by finances, and it's important to remember that there are certainly other clubs that could show interest in the versatile forward.

Bottom line: the Clippers have the resources to get a deal done.