SAN FRANCISCO -- In what general manager Bob Myers described as a ?transformative moment? for the Golden State Warriors, versatile guard-forward Andre Iguodala was officially announced as the newest member of the Warriors today in a press conference held in Oakland, California.
The Warriors acquired Iguodala in a sign and trade deal involving Iguodala?s former team, the Denver Nuggets, and the Utah Jazz.
Convincing Iguodala to migrate to the Bay Area was not a difficult task, but making the deal work under stringent salary cap conditions proved to be the most difficult task Myers has ever experienced considering that the Warriors were nearing the salary cap threshold with two key players -- Jarrett Jack ans Carl Landry --- leaving via free agency.
However, with the help of the Utah Jazz, who absorbed the salaries of Andris Biedrins, Richard Jefferson, and Brandon Rush, the Warriors cleared enough cap to acquire Iguodala for a four-year deal worth $48 million. The Kings in Sacramento had offered Iguodala $52 million for four years while the Nuggets tendered a five-year package for $60 million.
How the addition of Iguodala translates onto the basketball court remains to be seen. On paper, the Warriors have one of the most athletic and versatile rosters in the talent-rich Western Conference. Iguodala?s defensive presence and ball handling ability will help free up Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes more on the wings.
Barnes, an oncoming sophomore who excelled in the playoffs after third team all NBA forward, David Lee suffered a hip flexor injury, will likely come off the bench as their sixth man, a reserve role that James Harden played previously for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Warriors have also agreed to terms with free agents Tony Douglas, Maurice Speights, and Jermaine O?Neal, capping what has been a fruitful offseason harvest. (LA)
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