NBA Champion's Desire To Move Hits Roadblock, Teams Stalling: Report

Andre Iguodala is a player in demand after the Golden State Warriors traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a deal that saw D’Angelo Russell arrive from Brooklyn Nets. The three-time NBA champion is a trade target for Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Lakers and Dallas Mavericks.

The 35-year-old shooting guard/small forward is not in favor of staying with the Grizzlies and is looking for a way out. It was initially reported that he could complete a buyout from the final year of his contract and become a free agent, but that is yet to happen.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that the Rockets have made landing Iguodala their top priority but they will have to make salary space to accommodate the 2015 NBA Finals MVP and they do not possess the future first-round draft pick the Grizzlies will demand to trade Iguodala.

However, The Athletic’s Shams Charania is now reporting that trade talks for Iguodala have reached a standstill with interested teams still looking for ways to complete the trade without giving up too many assets. The Rockets are said to be concerned about the luxury tax implications by signing the former Warrior and are looking for third and fourth team deals.

Meanwhile, the Clippers, are said to be the other team keen on signing Iguodala but again they also have limitations about making a trade and losing an asset. Maurice Harkless is one player they can trade to make salary space to acquire Iguodala, but Charania reports that the Clippers are not keen to lose the small forward they acquired via trade from the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this month.

The Grizzlies are hoping to find a trade partner and have engaged in talks with the Rockets and Clippers, but they are keen to get some value back. But both teams stalling could see the Memphis franchise decide to release Iguodala in a buyout agreement, which will suit everybody.

Iguodala and his agent have been talking to the Grizzlies to find a solution and if he is released, the shooting guard will be able to choose his next destination. And initially, it was reported that Lakers were his preferred team, especially since his previous agent Rob Pelinka is now running the basketball operations in Los Angeles.