Warriors interested in Andre Iguodala reunion after Heat decline option
The Golden State Warriors could be interested in a reunion with Andre Iguodala in 2021 NBA free agency.
Although 2021 NBA free agency doesn’t start until Monday at 6 p.m. ET, we’re already getting indications of where certain big-name players might end up.
On Sunday, we got reports that both Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul would likely be declining their player options for the 2021-22 season to become unrestricted free agents, although both are expected to stay with their respective teams. We also got indication that the Miami Heat are positioning themselves for a run at Kyle Lowry by exercising Goran Dragic’s $19.4 million player option, which would open up avenues for a sign-and-trade.
Part of freeing up the requisite cap space, however, is the Heat declining their $15 million team option for Andre Iguodala next season. This would make him an unrestricted free agent, and the early rumor mill indicates a championship-caliber reunion with the Golden State Warriors could be in the works:
The momentum behind an Andre Iguodala return to Golden State is bubbling strong already after Miami declined Iguodala's 2021-22 team option.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 1, 2021
As Warriors owner Joe Lacob told @anthonyVslater: "Now we add a few veterans. We’re going to do that. You’ll see in the next few days."
Could Andre Iguodala rejoin the Warriors soon?
A look at the box score would indicate Iguodala is worth far less than that $15 million team option, especially after he managed a meager 4.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game on .383/.330/.658 shooting splits with the Heat last season. His impact over the last 5-6 years has mostly been rooted in his defense, ball-handling, positional versatility, playoff experience and other intangibles. He’s the kind of bench pieces teams want on their roster for a Finals run, especially after making six straight NBA Finals (five with the Warriors, followed by one with the Heat).
Iguodala rejoining the Dubs on a minimum contract (or for the taxpayer’s mid-level exception) seems like a safe bet. Golden State needs wing depth and experience, and Iguodala is more than familiar with Steve Kerr’s system, as well as the team’s Big 3 of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
As the Dubs look to return to contention in 2022, bringing back Iguodala certainly wouldn’t hurt. His best days are clearly behind him, but in a reduced bench role on a team he’s familiar with, he could still have something left in the tank at a much lower price tag.
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