NBA: Andre Iguodala Just Wants To Play, No Preference Of Team

Most NBA teams are believed to be busy as they ramp up preparations for improving their rosters before the trade deadline on Feb. 6. One name who has hardly gained any ground is Andre Iguodala. He remains in cold storage over in Memphis but there is the belief that he could be back in action after the NBA trade deadline.

However, the 35-year-old swingman's case is not that simple. For one, the Memphis Grizzlies seem to be bent on exhausting trade possibilities until the last minute. In a previous report, it was mentioned how most teams are awaiting an expected buyout before sitting down and dealing directly with Iguodala. Regardless, Memphis is standing pat on their stand. Besides, they seem to be doing fine this season. They tote a 21-24 win-loss record in the Western Conference and are in the top eight.

Forced to wait, Iguodala recently appeared on ESPN's "First Take" and revealed that he is ready to play once he is called upon. Despite the time off, the three-time NBA champion says that his current state may be a blessing in disguise. Iguodala has played five consecutive long seasons and most know how he endured injuries along the way.

Even though he has not been seen on the court, Iguodala said that he is in shape and ready to get back on the basketball court. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers are two teams keeping tabs on his status. Several other playoff-bound teams are likely doing the same and some clarity could ensue soon.

The thing about Iguodala is that he does not produce eye-popping numbers to help. Last season with the Golden State Warriors, he played in 68 games averaging just 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He holds career averages of 12.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists per Basketball-Reference.com.

But for those who have followed his six NBA seasons with the Warriors, Iguodala does more than what the numbers reveal. He is a good defender and does the little things to help his team. Notable among what he can do is guard LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Clippers and the Lakers could use a veteran talent like Iguodala as they boost the NBA playoff chances. However, the fact remains that Iggy is already 36 and will likely agree to a short-term contract. There is the growing belief that the one-time NBA All-Star will eventually return to Golden State and end his career there.