NBA Trade Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Need to Deal Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala is the Philadelphia 76ers' best player, but he will never lead them deep into the playoffs and must be traded so the team can continue to build a roster of talented young players under coach Doug Collins.

Iguodala is not a superstar player, contrary to what many think. He's a good player, but won't dominate offensively or defensively.

Since he averaged a career high 19.8 points per game in the 2007-08 season, Iguodala's scoring average has declined each season since.

He has great athleticism and is one of the most dangerous transition players in the NBA, but he won't take games over in crunch time or shut down the opposing team's best perimeter scorer.

Simply put, Iguodala is overrated and the 76ers have to trade him to the team that will give them the best package of talent and/or draft picks in return.

Iguodala has three years left on a six-year, $80 million contract he signed in the summer of 2008. His salary is not so large that he is untradeable, and many teams will show interest in him if the 76ers make make him available.

Back in June, Sports Illustrated reported a possible deal between the Los Angeles Lakers and 76ers in which Lamar Odom would go from L.A. to Philly.

This is a terrible deal, and would not help the 76ers at all. Philly needs to continue building young talent and become stronger defensively, an aging player like Odom would help in neither of those areas.

If the 76ers cannot get a promising young player or a talented defender for Igoudala then trading him for a top draft pick is their best bet.

The 2012 NBA Draft class is very deep and much more talented than last season's class. There are several future superstars to be found in next June's draft.

Philly could trade Iguodala for a top 10 pick and add another cornerstone to build the franchise around.

Andre Iguodala is a good player, but his salary does not match the scoring and defensive production he gives the 76ers.

After seeing his scoring average decline the last three seasons in a time when he should be hitting the prime of his career, the team needs to realize the time has come to trade their star forward.