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Atlanta Hawks potentially interested in signing Andre Iguodala

By Justin Hodges

Jan 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andre Iguodala of the Golden State Warriors may be playing in the NBA Finals right now, but his name is currently buzzing for other reasons.

Andre Iguodala’s impending free agency is a topic of interest due to the Warriors plausible inability to re-sign the veteran.

In an ESPN article by Ramona Shelburne and Chris Haynes, it was reported that Andre Iguodala would receive interest from the Atlanta Hawks in signing the former NBA Finals MVP. The report also includes the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves as teams potentially interested in signing Andre Iguodala.

The Warriors will have some conundrum with free agency next season.

Stephen Curry is set to be a free agent, and deservedly is going to get big money. Kevin Durant has an opt-out clause that will allow him to be a free agent this offseason if he so chooses, otherwise, he will be set earn close to $28 million next year. Klay Thompson has two years left on his contract in which he will make $18 million per year, and Draymond Green will make and an average of $17.5 million per year up throughout the 2019-2020 season.

A majority of the Warriors’ bench will be free agents once the NBA Finals are over. The team has just five players that are under contract for next season, six if Durant opts back in. Bird rights can obviously play a part in Golden State re-signing some of the free agents, including Iguodala. There is an obvious incentive for Iguodala to return to the Warriors as well.

Andre Iguodala
Apr 8, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) pumps fakes a defender against the New Orleans Pelicans in the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 123-101. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

It isn’t as simple as wanting to come back, however. Yes, Golden State can offer Iguodala just as much as Atlanta or any other team is prepared to give him. Yet is it financially worth it for the Warriors? The team knew that signing Durant would put them in financial disarray in the future pertaining free agent role players. Now, Iguodala may be an asset that the team is willing to let walk.

For the Atlanta Hawks, adding Iguodala makes conceivable sense. New general manager Travis Schlenk has been the Warriors’ assistant general manager for the past five seasons and was part of the personal that initially brought Iguodala to Golden State before their dynasty even began.

Next: Soaring Down South's 2017 NBA Mock Draft

With Thabo Sefolosha facing free agency this offseason the Hawks may be in need of a defensive oriented wing. In this case, Iguodala seems to be an improvement. Offers more variable scoring and vast playoff experience being with the Warriors. He could also serve as a mentor for second-year players Taurean Prince and DeAndre Bembry, who both share similarities to Iguodala back in his prime.