Why Andre Iguodala’s return is bad for the Golden State Warriors

Andre Iguodala, the 15-year veteran forward and 2015 NBA Finals MVP, is likely to return for yet another season with the Golden State Warriors.

The Golden State Warriors are still two-time defending champs. Although that may change tonight, it doesn’t discredit just how dominant this team has been over the last few seasons. That has, in part, been because of the death lineup, one of many lineups that’s featured Andre Iguodala.

Iguodala has considered retirement following this season although he still has a year remaining on his contract. Iggy is set to make over $17 million next season which, for Golden State, could be used elsewhere.

However, per The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Iggy is will “for sure” be back next season and is “pretty confident” the team’s core will return.

The Warriors, a team that’ll be strapped for cash this offseason, will undoubtedly try to sign both Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant this offseason. They need them to succeed, but Iggy’s contract will alter how much spending they have.

It’s not just that they could use the money that Iggy’s contract frees up. It’s a combination of that and that Iggy’s been extremely inconsistent on the offensive end. They needed him to do more with Durant sidelined, and he’s dropped the ball.

Iggy is averaging seven points per game. No, that’s not the problem. The problem is that he’s shooting just 23.5% from downtown. If he were to drill two threes per game yet still average just seven points, we’d be fine.

They’d respect him. It’d open up the lane for Curry and Thompson to exploit the Raptors defense.

Iguodala was on fire early on in the playoffs. He was one of the best Dubs, but when it’s mattered most, he’s disappeared. This and the fact that his athleticism may take a hit over the court of the offseason could make him a less valuable asset.

Iggy’s a terrific talent and has had a Hall of Fame-caliber career. But, this time around, the Warriors need to do what’s best for them. However, no other contender has the cap to take on that type of salary.

If he returns, they have no real option but to bring him back, which, for Lacob and company, could mean not returning four-time scoring champion Kevin Durant. Are we really expecting the Warriors to have four players make significantly over $20 million per year?

With Klay’s new contract coming, the Warriors needed to shed Iggy’s contract. His return will hurt the Warriors in free agency and will ensuingly hurt them next season.