Warriors-Andre Iguodala reunion rumors swirl as NBA free agency nears
NBA free agency is set to begin today at 3 p.m. (PT) and there is a growing sentiment that a reunion could take place between the Warriors and Andre Iguodala.
Multiple outlets, including the Associated Press and the New York Times, reported Sunday that Iguodala, 37, was expected to speak with the Warriors during the free agency period.
Iguodala became an unrestricted free agent Sunday after the Miami Heat declined the $15 million team option in his contract. The Heat is believed to be interested in guard Kyle Lowry, whose nine-year run with the Toronto Raptors included an NBA title in 2019.
The Warriors were unable to acquire the veteran help they sought before the NBA Draft, as they used their seventh and 14th overall selections on forward Jonathan Kuminga and guard Moses Moody, respectively.
But Iguodala might be what general manager Bob Myers is looking for in terms of veteran depth, and would fit in seamlessly with the Warriors’ culture.
Iguodala played six seasons for the Warriors from 2013 to 2019, helping the team to five NBA Finals appearances and three world championships.
The momentum behind an Andre Iguodala return to Golden State is bubbling strong already after Miami declined Iguodala's 2021-22 team option.
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."
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 1, 2021
“I still think we need to add some veterans,” Myers said last week. “We’re not done yet. That’s what we’re going to have to do in free agency.”
Statistically, Iguodala’s best days might be in the rear-view mirror but he would still be a trusted defensive presence, alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, for coach Steve Kerr. In the last two seasons for Miami, Iguodala combined to average just under 21 minutes per game.
Kent Bazemore is one of the Warriors’ four free agents. Should he and the Warriors part ways, the team would be looking for his replacement — at an economical price. The Warriors are already projected to be above the $40 million luxury threshold, and only have the taxpayer Mid Level Exception and veteran minimums to offer prospective additions.
The Warriors have 15 players under contract. But Damion Lee, Mychal Mulder, Gary Payton II and Alen Smailagic have non-guaranteed contracts and can be waived at no cost to the Warriors during the free-agent process if they need to free up roster spots.