Golden State Warriors Top 10 Moments of 2013
By Eric He
6. Warriors Sign Andre Iguodala (July 5, 2013)
If you thought it’s been a while since the Warriors have had a premier defensive big man, think about the last time they were able to sign a big-name free agent.
That’s right, you can’t (And no, Derek Fisher doesn’t count).
Last offseason was truly the most hectic offseason the Warriors have had in a while. They were reportedly “in” on many of the top free agents, including being one of five teams involved in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.
They weren’t able to land Howard, but signing Iguodala to a four year, $48 million contract wasn’t a bad consolation prize. The fact that the Warriors were even in the conversation to sign a top-flight free agent shows how far this franchise has come in a few short years.
What stood out even more was that Iguodala wanted to come to Golden State, and he reached out to the Warriors on the first day of free agency to express interest. When’s the last time a premier free agent actually wanted to play for the Warriors?
And how badly did Iguodala want to come to the bay? He turned down more money from Sacramento and Denver, instead choosing the Warriors.
The theme is pretty apparent here: free agents suddenly want to come to play for the Warriors because the league has taken notice of the culture change and the team’s newfound success.
Don’t be surprised if Iguodala is just the first of many top-caliber players who eye the Bay Area as their next free agent destination.