The chances of that are getting sketchy, though. Two months into the season, the Grizzlies have not budged on their demand for Iguodala, an indication that they feel they’ll be able to make a worthwhile deal ahead of the February 7 trade deadline. “They haven’t budged,” one league executive told Heavy.com. “Maybe they will as the date gets closer, but they’ve made clear, they’re not interested in a buyout with Andre and they’re looking for a first-rounder. Teams have been trying. They haven’t let go of that. But that tells you they know they’ll be able to get something and won’t have to buy him out.”
Tag: Buyout
The Nuggets have interest in Iguodala, …
The Nuggets have interest in Iguodala, who was briefly in Denver before leaving for the Warriors in free agency. Utah is said to be a longshot but a possibility for Iguodala—they’d have to give up on Dante Exum to get a deal done, as well as a pick in 2022 or 23. That’s a steep price for a few months of Iguodala.
The Memphis Grizzlies (9-17) already …
The Memphis Grizzlies (9-17) already told teams they will trade Iguodala before the deadline. They have no intention to buy him out if he isn’t dealt. “That’s their position, at least for now,” one Western Conference executive said.
If Iguodala isn’t dealt, the Grizzlies …
If Iguodala isn’t dealt, the Grizzlies would be persuaded to cut him before March to preserve his playoff eligibility. But one executive suggested he’d probably have to give up a sizable portion of the salary he’s guaranteed to earn in Memphis. “Iguodala would probably need to take a hit financially to join a contender if he isn’t traded,” the executive said.
I doubt a contender would be quick to …
I doubt a contender would be quick to take on MKG’s $13 million salary. He could be part of a larger trade package, but if he’s on another roster this season, the more likely route is a buyout, where he’d give up some (not a lot) of his guaranteed money to be released. If that happens, it would likely be after the Feb. 6 trade deadline. I’m glad MKG has gotten a chance to play lately. He believes he has plenty left. Between the pivot to youth and the abundance of forwards on Charlotte’s roster, this situation isn’t good for him minutes-wise, but opting out of this season on his contract would have made no sense business-wise.
Buyout for Dion Waiters?
The Heat is actively exploring avenues to extricate itself of guard Dion Waiters, but Waiters – at this point – opposes giving up any of the money he’s owed to achieve that, according to a source briefed on the situation. Before Waiters’ third suspension that began last week, the Heat hadn’t ruled out playing Waiters if the team had a flurry of injuries or if he comported himself impeccably over several weeks.
One source said every option is “on the …
One source said every option is “on the table” in trying to achieve that, noting the preference is to keep him away so that he doesn’t hurt team chemistry.
It’s possible Waiters could eventually …
It’s possible Waiters could eventually accept a giving up a bit of the money he’s owed if he grows determined to play this season. One source said he wants to play, but – at this point – not if it means giving up millions of dollars in salary. But Waiters could change his mind if he has reason to believe that another team would sign him, thus offsetting money he would be relinquishing in a Heat buyout.
The Heat also has considered exploring …
The Heat also has considered exploring ways to void his contract, according to a team source, but that is viewed as unlikely because it assuredly would trigger a legal battle with the players union, which wouldn’t want to establish a precedent for contracts being voided. Unless Waiters is willing to consider sacrificing some salary in a buyout – and he eventually might – the most realistic resolution in the interim could involve Waiters and the team agreeing for him to continue to be paid while staying away from the team.
A source on Sunday confirmed to The …
A source on Sunday confirmed to The Miami Herald that the boat incident was a factor in this latest suspension but not the only one. There have been more than a half dozen team violations by Waiters this season, including complaining on the bench during the preseason finale, refusing to do a required weigh-in and several inappropriate posts on social media.