The Golden State Warriors are the cream of the crop in the NBA. With a loaded roster, deep bench, and the championship hardware to back it all up. Given their wealth of assets, it’s no wonder the other teams are looking to knock the Warriors down a peg. Andre Iguodala, a critical cog in the machine, appears to be the target. According to ESPN’s Chris Haynes at least seven teams have interest in prying Iguodala away from The Bay Area.
Four of the seven teams listed by Haynes’ sources reside in the Western Conference. The Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Orlando Magic all have reported interest in the 33-year old wing player. Earlier this month it was reported that Iguodala had some interest in exploring the free agent market. Prior to that there was a report that he already agreed to stay with the Warriors, though we know now that plan has dissipated.
San Antonio is attempting to clear salary in an effort to add Chris Paul and Iguodala, a combination that would make an already lockdown defense even more scary. The Timberwolves, who recently acquired Jimmy Butler, are looking to add a veteran to help tie together their young roster. Iguodala appears to be a contingency plan for the Jazz should Gordon Hayward leave in free agency. Philadelphia may be the most compelling team. Iguodala spent the first eight seasons of his career in the City of Brotherly Love and would provide a veteran presence and lockdown defender to one of the best young core of players in the NBA.
The main part to take away is that other teams do not feel building a team that can compete with Golden State is a feasible route. It is more economical and practical to simply attempt to pluck players from the squad. While the core of the Warriors’ team are, or will, be under contract for the foreseeable future, weakening the bench appears to the the goal of other teams.
