Is it worth it for the LA Clippers to trade for Andre Iguodala?

The Memphis Grizzlies reportedly aren’t interested in buying out Andre Iguodala, so a trade may be necessary. Is it worth it for the LA Clippers to try?

We’re now a week removed from the date that Andre Iguodala was rumored to be joining the LA Clippers — something that should’ve been taken with a grain of salt to begin with. Since then, there’s been next to nothing in the news or on Twitter regarding the former Finals MVP’s status. He was a Memphis Grizzly then, and he still is now.

The only real information we’ve gotten on Iguodala since he was traded to Memphis came out last night, via The Athletic‘s Shams Charania. He reported that the Grizzlies intend to have Iguodala report to training camp, and that they are refusing to engage in a buyout at the moment. On top of that, Charania noted that this may be the final year of Iguodala’s Hall of Fame career, and that Memphis keeping him there would not allow him to finish said career on his own terms. From all of that, we can safely assume that this is a place he does not want to be.

And why would he want to? After all, Iguodala is still a relevant player in the league, and he has more than enough skill to hang around with the younger, quicker talents coming in. He’s still a top-notch defender, he can hit some timely buckets when need be, and his long-underrated ability as a facilitator provides some extra value and versatility.

Iguodala could still be of use to any team contending for a title, and especially those that need wing depth. Among those teams that make the most sense as his next destination are the LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets.

Iguodala arguably fits the Clippers’ mold more than any other team. They’re rumored to be looking to add a veteran to the team, and his strengths perfectly complement the culture that LA has established over the past few seasons.

The thing is, a buyout would make infinitely more sense for the Clippers than a trade would, which might keep Iguodala off the roster.

The LA Clippers spent all summer constructing what they determined to be the best roster possible. Not only does it include superstar forwards in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but the Clippers also made it a priority to return key role players such Patrick Beverley, JaMychal Green and Ivica Zubac. LA also managed to land Maurice Harkless as part of a multi-team trade, and they re-signed Rodney McGruder to a three-year deal after claiming him off waivers in April.

Yes, Iguodala would provide more value than a few of the names on LA’s roster, but trading away key assets for what could be a one-year rental doesn’t sound like the best idea — especially since Memphis would likely ask for a future draft pick and a younger asset in return.

The most ideal trade for the Grizzlies would have to include Harkless, Jerome Robinson and some form of draft compensation. And while that may seem appealing to some Clippers fans (especially since Iguodala’s presence could help deliver the franchise’s first title), the future isn’t something LA should be looking to sell. The Paul George trade depleted the franchise of most of their first-round picks in the coming years, and Robinson has a chance to make more of an impact this season after spending his first bouncing between the G League and the NBA.

Iguodala would be the perfect buyout candidate for the LA Clippers, but if Memphis isn’t willing, they may be better off hanging on to what they’ve already got. Competing teams will only drive up their asking price, and before too long, the Clippers could find themselves overpaying for a short-term addition by sacrificing long-term assets.