We interrupt this coverage of Ben Gordon asking for more money than he's worth to bring you news of Andre Iguodala wanting more than he thinks he's worth. A report in the Phoenixville News (which references an unspecified report from Comcast Sports Net) states that sources inside Iguodala's camp say he is seeking a 6 year, $75 million deal that puts his deal above such free agent signings as Emeka Okafor, Monta Ellis, and Luol Deng if you don't factor in Deng's incentive bonuses. Let's simplify that. Andre Iguodala wants 6 years, $75 million.
As my father-in-law would say, "People in hell want ice water."
See, two months, ago, this might not have been a big deal. Sure, Iguodala was a huge disappointment in the playoffs, shooting 33% and averaging over 4 turnovers per game. And yeah, his assists and rebounds were down this season. But he was also brilliant in stretches for the scrappy Sixers club, and a large part of why that team made the playoffs. He could have probably demanded that kind of money reasonably as the best player on the team.
He's no longer the best player on the squad.
Even if you get past Andre Miller, Thaddeus Young, and Louis Williams, which are all fairly well accepted as inferior to Iguodala, you now have a gentleman named Elton Brand. The only way you can justify that much money for a high turnover, shoot-first tweener is if he's the focal point of your franchise. That's no longer the case. Even with his athleticism and scoring ability, he's not worth more than $12 million a year. Now knowing what Iguodala wants, it'll be interesting to see how Philadelphia and shrewd new GM Ed Stefanski choose to approach the situation, and whether he caves to, refuses, or trades Iguodala.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-02-2008 @ 6:08PM
Ryne Nelson said...
I believe Andre Iguodala will stay in place for the simple fact that no team can afford him. He's not the type of talent who can lead a team to victory, and he doesn't deserve to be paid like one.
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8-03-2008 @ 10:58AM
dickey simpkins said...
It's not a question of whether he comes back....unless there's a sign and trade he has to play for Philly, there's just no team with that kind of cap space out there. What's comical is how high some of these players think of themselves. Iggy had a solid year, but he was horrible during the playoffs, a time when good players, you know, um, like step up or something. He shouldn't sniff anything more than what Deng signed for, Philly still has to make a move for a solid outside shooter for them to actually be legit contenders.
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8-04-2008 @ 2:38PM
Jesse said...
Im thinking they should work out a sign and trade with Detroit for AI , Miller (and his expiring contract), and 2 draft picks (and possibly another younger player to entice the Pistons if they wont bit) for Billups and Hamilton. Detroit gets rid of Billups horrible contract, gets a point guard that averaged 17 and 6 last year ,a piece for the future to go with Prince and all those bench players they have been developing, and with Miller's contract coming off the books after this year (along with Rasheed and McDyess)they will have the money to go after someone the next 2 big offseasons. And Philly gets some outside shooting and veteran help to take advantage of Brand's prime. Starting lineup - Billups, Hamilton, Young, Brand, and Dalembert. DAMN!!
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8-05-2008 @ 2:43AM
JON said...
This article is very one sided. The unspecified report was last Thursday as reported on the air by Dei Lynam (Sixers assistant coach Jim Lynam's daughter, sports broadcaster on ComcastSportsNet).
I fail to see why 12.5 million a year is a poor investment here. Iguodala is young and has improved every season. He's done everything the Sixers have asked of him. Tayshaun Prince had his number in the playoffs, but don't think Iguodala won't be motivated to overcome it and respond to the adversity.
Overall, Iguodala is a low risk investment with high return. He's still got his best years ahead of him.
http://mvn.com/nba-76ers/2008/08/02/investing-in-iguodala/
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