The trade
In this trade, the Miami Heat add Andre Iguodala, a former Finals MVP and the best player in this trade, and a future second-round draft pick. Memphis will take on James Johnson’s contract ($15 million this year with a $16 million player option for next year) while receiving Derrick Jones Jr. and KZ Okpala.
The Heat should certainly look to acquire Iguodala. His defense, ball-handling, and playoff experience allow him to be much more beneficial to the Heat than any of the three players they trade away.
The Grizzlies are in the midst of a rebuild and receive two young players in the 22-year-old Jones and 20-year-old Okpala. Jones has shown to be an active defender on top of being a tremendous athlete. Okpala showed promise as a scorer in college. Memphis gets to have a good look at both. of them to see if they can be a part of the long-term plan.
One area of this trade that could get complicated is the second-round pick Miami hypothetically receives. The Heat should receive a second-round pick because Iguodala is going to turn 36 in January, is on an expiring contract, and they’re giving up two young players.
Memphis has a lot of second-round picks at their disposal. Since many of them have protections, it’s hard to gauge how valuable they are. Yet, Miami may have to settle for one of these protected second-rounders or possibly none at all.
The market for Iguodala will be one of the most competitive ones. Shams Charania of The Athletic (subscription required) reported that several playoff teams have inquired about Iguodala.
Several other wings, such as Robert Covington and Marcus Morris, could be available, too. However, their trade value is much higher than Iguodalda’s. Both forwards are over five years younger than Iguodala. Covington is among the very best defenders in the league and Morris is in the top five in 3-point percentage on the season.
While Covington and Morris would be more beneficial to the Heat, it would take more to get them. Iguodala is a valuable complementary piece that won’t come at a steep price.
Iguodala makes a lot of sense for Miami. He’s a playoff-tested veteran that is dying to return to a contending team. As Miami trudges onward on its quest for a championship, they should look to acquire the former Finals MVP.