NBA Trade: Andre Iguodala To Miami Heat, Stirs Up Mixed Reactions

KEY POINTS

The Memphis Grizzlies have traded Andre Iguodala to the Miami Heat
The Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat will no longer have a head to head matchup for this season
The deal includes Justise Winslow as part of the package

The Memphis Grizzlies have garnered the attention of the league with how they were going to deal Andre Iguodala. The organization and the former finals MVP have had a mutual agreement that would have Andre Iguodala sit the season until they find a way to trade him.

That has finally happened with the Miami Heat finalizing a deal that involves Justise Winslow.

Memphis has agreed to a deal to send Andre Iguodala to Miami, league source tells ESPN. Iguodala agreed to trade and has agreed to a two-year, $30M extension with Miami.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020

Justise Winslow is part of the package headed to Memphis in the Iguodala trade, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020

The situation regarding Andre Iguodala ended up as a back and forth affair between the younger Memphis Grizzlies players. Dillon Brooks said that he recognizes Andre Iguodala as a great player and is not a distraction at all for the team. "A guy that's on our team but doesn't wanna be on our team. I can't wait until we find a way to trade him so we can play him and show him what really Memphis is about."

Dillon Brooks reacts to the Andre Iguodala situation just days before Thursday afternoon's trade deadline. "A guy that's on our team but doesn't wanna be on our team. I can't wait until we find a way to trade him so we can play him and show him what really Memphis is about." pic.twitter.com/KR6bGCgtpJ
— Mike Ceide (@MCeide_WREG3) February 4, 2020

This ensued rookie sensation to chip in as he got in a little online exchange with two-time MVP Steph Curry.

🤷🏽‍♂️🤫 pic.twitter.com/lmhLZP1Pqn
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) February 4, 2020

Despite this, the two have already interacted privately saying that there’s mutual respect for one another.

Ja Morant says he and Steph DM’d after exchanging social media shots over Iguodala.

The Grizzlies rook says there’s mutual respect ✊

(H/T @MyMikeCheck) pic.twitter.com/y17MiY4Qky
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 5, 2020

With Andre Iguodala headed to Miami, the league will have to wait a little longer before we see the Memphis Grizzlies show the former All-Star what they’re all about. The Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies will no longer have a head to head game for this season. This caused major disappointment from those looking forward to the matchup.

The Grizz & Heat don’t play each other for the rest of the season, so Dillon Brooks cannot show Iguodala what Memphis is about this year.

*sigh*
— Jasmyn Wimbish (@JasmynWimbish) February 6, 2020

I hate this deal because Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks and the rest of the Grizzlies don't play the Heat again this season. https://t.co/zWeiyWk106
— Adam Fromal (@fromal09) February 6, 2020

The career direction Andre Iguodala also gathered much discussion online. Portland Trail Blazer CJ McCollum chipped in on his thoughts.

Bruh you’re a legend @andre . My guy sat half the season. Spent time with his family. Promoted his book. Sharpened up his post retirement plans and cashed out 😂✊🏾 respect bruh.
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 6, 2020

Fan pages and analysts also reacted to the trade.

Andre Iguodala is a dude who hasn’t played an NBA game this season...is 36...AND JUST GOT $30,000,000 OVER 2 YEARS pic.twitter.com/x1i7JBAb71
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) February 6, 2020

Andre Iguodala is a master! He sat out more than half a season and got paid to play 2 more, which will pay him til he's 38.
— Tas Melas (@TasMelas) February 6, 2020

In July 2017, Iguodala signed a three-year, $48M deal with Warriors. Many considered the Dubs crazy for agreeing to that. Many thought he was washed then.

With this new extension, Andre will have gotten $78M over five years — all negotiated and signed AFTER age 33

Legend.
— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) February 6, 2020

It’s important to note, per Adrian Wojnarowski, that Andre Iguodala is allowing the Heat to keep salary cap flexibility for free agency.

With a team-option for the 2021-22 season, Iguodala is allowing the Heat to keep salary cap flexibility for free agency, league sources tell ESPN. If Miami misses on recruiting a max star, the plan would be for Miami to guarantee that season's $15M, per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020

With all the playoff games and championship minutes Andre Iguodala has played, three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade applauded the Heat for their latest acquisition.

👀 Great pickup @MiamiHEAT
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) February 6, 2020

This, however, caused a little awkward interaction with Justise Winslow as he retweeted Wade. Justise Winslow was drafted 10th overall by the Miami Heat in 2015 and is now moving on with his career with the Memphis Grizzlies.