Andre Iguodala has not played in a game this season with the Memphis Grizzlies, but the team insists the only way he will be removed from the roster is via trade.
The Grizzlies are looking to move Iguodala ahead of Thursday’s deadline, but Marc Stein of the New York Times reports that they remain “adamant” about not agreeing to a buyout with Iguodala even if they can’t trade him.
The Iguodala situation is fascinating because Memphis is adamant that it will not buy him out if a trade fails to materialize by Thursday's 3 PM buzzer. You obviously expect the Grizzlies to say that now … but there are only 75 hours left to find a trade anticipated for months
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 3, 2020
There have not been any substantial trade talks involving Iguodala, and Stein adds that the Dallas Mavericks are looking for wing help but do not want to trade for the 36-year-old. The Mavs could be among the teams who would prefer to wait the situation out to see if Memphis will actually keep Iguodala down the stretch.
The Golden State Warriors traded Iguodala to the Grizzlies last offseason in a financially motivated move, and there has been talk that he could return to Golden State next season. NBA rules prevent the Warriors from re-acquiring Iguodala before the offseason.
Iguodala never wanted to play for Memphis in the first place, and the Grizzlies could just be doing everything they can to maintain a position of strength before the deadline. The swingman believes not playing at all this season may have actually helped his career.
