NBA Rumors: Iguodala Was Open To Suiting Up For Memphis Grizzlies Before Trade

Andre Iguodala is finally back on the basketball court after the Memphis Grizzlies traded him to the Miami Heat. Fully rested and aching to play ball again, the 36-year-old was not spared from controversy. For some players, the least the 2015 NBA Finals MVP could have done was played while he was waiting to be traded. Iguodala sheds some light on that tenure.

According to the three-time NBA champion, he never told the Grizzlies not to play him. Iguodala never said he would not show up and that Memphis was a place he did not want to be, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported.

Iguodala drew criticism from several Memphis players. Dillon Brooks and Ja Morant aired their piece, believing the least the NBA veteran could have done was play for the team rather than sit out, NBC Sports reported. However, it remains that both management and Iguodala had an understanding at the time. And while he denies the belief of most, there are some rough edges with Iguodala's recent revelations.

There are certain things to consider for Iguodala. One is that his heart may not be entirely bent on playing his best for the Grizzlies. Seeing how Memphis has managed to make things work despite being in rebuild mode, Iguodala suiting up could have varying effects. Memphis currently sits at the eighth spot of the NBA Western Conference with a 27-26 win-loss record and seems primed to make it to the NBA playoffs.

The true answer to that may never be known although everything is water under the bridge. Iguodala seems happy with the contract extension he got from the Heat who are expected to continue their surprise run this 2019-20 NBA season. Miami sits at the fourth spot of the NBA Eastern Conference with a 35-18 mark.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting if Iguodala will end his NBA career with the Heat. There were alleged plans for him to return and likely finish his career in the Bay Area, something that may only happen by the 2021-22 NBA season. Unless the Heat pull of a trade before then, Iggy would be 39 by that time.

Should he still suit up at that age, Iguodala is likely to spend more time on the bench with less playing time. He is likely to help mentor the young guys before eventually hanging up his sneakers for good.