Golden State Warriors: Andre Iguodala has to do what’s best for him
The Golden State Warriors’ Andre Iguodala’s return to the defending champs isn’t a given if other teams want to give him a raise.
I want Andre Iguodala to play the rest of his career in the Bay Area. In four years, he’s become a Golden State Warriors great. However, he needs to make the decision that’s best for him.
The NBA offseason has been filled with some juicy rumors. While Iguodala is no longer the type of player that garners attention like Paul George or Jimmy Butler have, he’s still a big name. The veteran is a significant piece to what the Warriors like to do.
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Iguodala won the Finals MVP award in 2015. In 2017, he was a key figure in the Warriors’ title-clinching victory in Game 5 as he electrified the entire team with his thunderous dunk that froze LeBron James in his steps. During all three of Golden State’s runs to the Finals, he’s been the primary defender on James.
The swingman turns 34 in January. His legs have seen a lot of mileage over his career, especially after the last three seasons. His body is starting to turn on him.
We saw it during the 2016 NBA Finals when Iguodala’s back gave out on him, allowing James to get a step on him. Steve Kerr has been very careful about managing his minutes to make sure his veteran legs stay fresh. While he keeps himself in fantastic shape and takes care of his body better than most, Father Time is undefeated, as the old cliché goes.
There were reports that a deal that would keep Iguodala in the Bay Area had been agreed upon. There was a deal that would pay him roughly $12 million per year for around four years or so. While paying that money to a 36 year old with bad knees is less than ideal, the Warriors are trying to win more now and Iguodala can still help them do that.
However, there were also reports that other teams might be interested in offering him more money. Iguodala has nothing left to prove. He has two championships, a Finals MVP, and a case to be in the Hall of Fame. There would be nothing wrong if he followed the money.
Iguodala doesn’t owe the Warriors anything. Would it hurt the team if he left? Yes. As a fan, would it be sad if he suited up for a different team? Of course. But would it be reasonable? Absolutely.
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He’s won. As a savvy businessman, he knows not to leave free money on the table. While there’s no telling what he’ll do, it’s not unreasonable to think that if someone were to offer him a significant raise then he’d have to consider it.
Iguodala needs to do what’s best for him, his family, and his living situation. If he wants to try to win more championships, then Golden State is the spot. If he wants to capitalize on his value that, at this juncture in his career, will soon dwindle, then he should do that too.