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This Lakers-Grizzlies Trade for Andre Iguodala Could Actually Work

By Jerry Trotta

Former Warriors winger Andre Iguodala could land on a contender in the coming days
Former Warriors winger Andre Iguodala could land on a contender in the coming days / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

We don't doubt that there are a horde of teams interested in acquiring Memphis Grizzlies winger Andre Iguodala, who has been restricted to NBA purgatory with the hope that he will be offloaded by the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

In terms of fits, we truly can't think of a team more better suited for his talents than the Los Angeles Lakers. The value of his championship grit and defensive tenacity cannot be understated and one could certainly make the argument that Frank Vogel's roster, as presently constructed, doesn't flaunt an elite perimeter defender...even though Anthony Davis is more than capable.

With rumors surrounding Iguodala heating up over the last 24 hours, we've got just the return package from LA that could entice the Grizzlies.

Andre Iguodala Contract Details

Iguodala is in the final year of a three-year, $48 million contract he signed with Golden State. He's owed $17.2 million this season.

Andre Iguodala-Lakers Trade Scenario

Memphis could easily opt to buy out the $17.2 mil that's owed to the three-time champion, but they seem set on getting some value for him via trade. Given the Grizzlies' apparent desperation and Iguodala's age (36), the Lakers likely won't have to give up much in return.

It goes without saying that Memphis is keen on building around their young core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks. Therefore, Los Angeles might have to cough up Kyle Kuzma, 24, who has struggled to lead the team's second unit, and, more importantly, muster a rapport with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. That might be enough to seduce the Grizzlies. If not, the Lakers could throw in a future second-round pick or Alex Caruso.

There have been conflicting reports regarding the Lakers' willingness to part ways with Kuzma, who they selected with the No. 27 overall pick in 2017, but they might have to bite the proverbial bullet in favor of their championship aspirations.

After all, if he's not fitting in with the current Lakers roster, it'll be hard to sell him elsewhere given his career-low stats to this point. Shipping him to Memphis for Iguodala and then maybe giving the veteran a one-year extension could go a long way for LA.