Are you ready for a game of poker between Andre Iguodala’s agents and the Warriors? Because it’s already begun.
As of now, the Warriors and Andre Iguodala have no meeting scheduled, sources say. Could change any minute. Sides are optimistic.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 30, 2017
Andre Iguodala doesn't have plans to meet with Golden State Warriors during free-agency period, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 30, 2017
Something to watch on Warriors front: IF Andre Iguodala leaves, there's discussion about Dewayne Dedmon's candidacy for starting center spot
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 30, 2017
Got all that? Free agency hasn’t even started yet.
Before we get to Dedmon, I want to make it clear losing Iguodala will be a massive blow — more than most in Dub Nation realize. Kevin Durant was able to dominate in the NBA Finals because he didn’t have to mark LeBron James all four quarters. Iguodala’s strip on LeBron in Game 3 sealed the win and his 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting in the closeout Game 5 might’ve been his best performance all season. There will be no replacing Iguodala.
The Warriors shouldn’t be playing hardball with Iguodala. It’s honestly a little disrespectful after the successes and sacrifices he’s given to this franchise. An ESPN report earlier this week stated owner Joe Lacob was hesitant about Iguodala because of luxury tax ramifications. If the Warriors let Iguodala walk and don’t win the title next year, you can bet everything Lacob will be wishing he could go back in time. There is no price tag to put on a dynasty. Not when you are building a brand new stadium. The Chase Center is going to give Lacob entirely more revenue than he’s currently making at Oracle Arena.
This is obviously about money, but Durant has already played his part by declining his option and waiting to sign back with the Warriors until the dust settles. The Warriors are likely worried how effective Iguodala is going to be three years from now as a 36-year-old. Iguodala wants — and deserves — a three-year contract. A desperate team might be willing to offer him a fourth year.
As Ray Woodson pointed out in his column Friday, Iguodala was part of the contingent that flew to the Hamptons last July to recruit Durant. Without him, the Warriors don’t win their first title in 2015. Without him, they lose so much defensive flexibility. Without him, an injury to Durant, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson or Steph Curry becomes a MUCH bigger deal.
As far as Dedmon is concerned, I’m a little puzzled. Against the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, the 7-footer averaged just 10 minutes of playing time, producing 6.3 points per game and 4.7 rebounds. He’s just 27 years old and has more athleticism than Zaza Pachulia, but he’s solely been a role player under Gregg Popovich.
There’s a ton of pressure on Bob Myers, and he’s without Jerry West (Clippers) and Travis Schlenk (Hawks) this time around. There’s no doubting he’ll be able to fill-out and handle the rest of the roster, but losing Iguodala could ultimately be a misstep that comes back to bite Golden State.
