NBA Trade Deadline 2020: 5 buried veterans who could help a contender

3. Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala technically hasn’t played a single game this season, but doesn’t that make him the most buried of veterans? With the NBA Trade Deadline almost here, he and the Memphis Grizzlies are running out of time to settle their standoff.

A buyout remains another potential option, but according to The Athletic‘s Omari Sankofa II, the Grizzlies have engaged with other teams in trade discussions and are confident they can move him before Feb. 6.

There may be some concerns about rust, conditioning, age and injury history, but the 35-year-old has been proving he still has plenty left in the tank over the last few seasons with the Golden State Warriors. Should a contender (particularly, a contender from L.A.) find the means to scoop him up from Memphis, it’s likely he does the same in his new environment.

The Grizzlies’ recent surge to the 8-seed out West means Iguodala could honestly just stick it out in his current situation and join a surprise playoff team. But if that bridge has already been burned, and if another team can manage to make a move for his $17.2 million salary, this expiring vet can bring the right mix of defense, ball-handling, playmaking and championship experience to make it worth their while.