Andre Iguodala was the face of the Warriors’ bench during the team’s historic run. Not only was he the 2015 Finals MVP, but he was also the backbone of the team when it came to guarding LeBron James during Golden State’s four Finals runs. Despite this, the Warriors shocked everyone when they sent Iguodala to Memphis in a move that was little more than a cost-saving measure.

Will Andre Iguodala play for the Grizzlies?

Although Iguodala has made it very public that he does not want to play for the Grizzlies, Memphis has made it clear that they do not intend to outright waive him if he does not report to the team. While he sees no future with the Grizzlies in what’s likely the home stretch of his career, Memphis does not want to pay him to play for another team. 

Although the team let Iguodala skip training camp, neither side is showing a willingness to budge. If the Grizzlies do release him, Iguodala could become a hot commodity for five NBA best teams. 

1. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have been frontrunners for Iguodala since he made it known he didn’t want to play in Memphis. Although the team got Anthony Davis to go along with James and some solid role players, many question the team’s depth for the 2019-20 season. Iguodala could bolster the team if he moved to Los Angeles

Much like in Golden State, he’d likely be a primary option off the bench. Even though he will be five years older than he was on that first Warriors team, he could be a good defensive option for the Lakers.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

Unlike the Lakers, the Clippers appear to have depth, but this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t go after more. Known as an obnoxious team, the Clippers’ gritty style drove teams nuts and even gave Iguodala’s Warriors fits. By adding Iguodala, the Clippers could secure a deep, superstar roster, continuing the style that won them games last year. 

3. Milwaukee Bucks 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcJOZy2kDDU

Milwaukee already has lots of depth entering the 2019-20 season, but Iguodala would add even more to the frontcourt when Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo are not playing. Iguodala is enough of a threat on offense to scare most teams. He could take some of the defensive pressure off the Bucks’ two stars.

4. Houston Rockets

Iguodala has never needed the ball to be effective, and he could be the perfect match for a team with Russell Westbrook and James Harden. The Rockets lost some of its depth in the offseason, and many of the returning pieces are aging. The Rockets could use someone like Iguodala to boost the bench. With Gerald Green’s recent foot injury, there could be a promise of lots of minutes, too.

5. Brooklyn Nets 

Kevin Durant is likely out for the entire season, even if the Nets make it deep into the playoffs. Because of this, the team will have a void in the stretch forward position. If they could get Iguodala to sign on for the season, they could give him minutes, a defined role, and possibly even a chance at Iguodala returning the next year to play with his former and hopefully healthier teammate.