According to Sam Amick of the Athletic, the Denver Nuggets have shown “significant interest” in Andre Iguodala, but have been deterred due to the asking price.
Iguodala was traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Memphis Grizzlies last week in a salary cap move to make room for D’Angelo Russell.
It was reported earlier this morning by Marc Stein that Memphis is seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Iguodala, which seems to be the asking price that the Nuggets are deeming too high. This is an excerpt from Stein’s piece last week, in which he outlined how Denver planned on making an “ambitious” play for Iguodala.
“The Nuggets expect to introduce the promising Michael Porter Jr. this season after winning the West’s regular-season title — and are said to be interested in making an ambitious play to bring Iguodala back to Denver if Iguodala can extricate himself from Memphis.”
It was not long ago that Iguodala was a member of the Nuggets. He spent 2012-13 in Denver and averaged 13 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists with Denver in the regular season before averaging 18 points per game in the playoffs.
After his lone season in Denver, Iguodala left and signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Warriors. It has certainly worked out for Iguodala as he is is now a three-time NBA Champion and was crowded finals MVP in 2015.
Iguodala will be 35 years old next season, but could potentially provide the Nuggets exactly what they need. Not only would Iguodala bring a veteran presence, but he would upgrade the Nuggets defense in a multitude of ways and would give Denver a second shut-down defender in addition to the newly-acquired Jerami Grant.
Even if the price is currently too high right now, a possible reunion between Iguodala and the Nuggets is something to keep an eye on as the offseason rolls on.