With the NBA trade deadline one month away, the rumors continue to swirl. Latest Cavs-related bit to hit the wire comes from ESPN’s Marc Stein who attempts to link Cleveland to a possible deal with Philadelphia for Andre Iguodala.
On paper, Iquodala is just what the Cavaliers would need. AI2, not to be confused with his teammate Allen Iverson, averages 18 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and just over one three-point field goal per game. He’s an amazing athlete that can throw down with the best of them. His career field goal percentage is 46.4 percent and he would fit in well in terms of perimeter defense – think Stephen Jackson with less propensity for in-game insanity and strip club gun fights. He’s great at getting to the line and converts at a fairly high rate.
But here is where we end the “pros” involved with Iguodala. To get those 18 points per contest, “Iggy” requires nearly 15 shots. His eFG% is .431 – .414 on jump shots. For comparison purposes, Washington’s Antawn Jamison’s eFG% is .535 with .448 beyond the 15-foot range. Oh, and Iguodala also has a little bit of baggage in the form of four years and $56.3 million left on his contract.
But as Stein says, the Cavaliers are looking for a big man – specifically Jamison and/or Indiana’s Troy Murphy. Iguodala could realistically see time at the power forward if needed, but the root of his game comes from the small forward position. Coincidentally, Cleveland already has a fairly decent small forward in LeBron James. Jamsion’s contract, in comparison to Iguodala’s, is for less money and fewer years – yet this is a hang-up in a potential acquisition. Granted, Iguodala is considerably younger and may be more Mike Brown’s style when it comes to the defensive side of the ball.
Of course, as with all trades, the flip side is what it would take to get any player in a deal. If Washington is requiring Zydrunas Ilgauskas, JJ Hickson and a draft pick, but Philadelphia only wants cap relief, this deal may raise a few eyebrows. Regardless, this is only one of the multiple rumors which the Cavaliers will find themselves as a possibility thanks to Dan Gilbert’s willingness to spend coupled with Cleveland’s desire for a title.
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