Report: Raptors Could Be Interested In Andre Iguodala
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Another Sixers off-season, another off-season full of Andre Iguodala trade rumors.
Rumors surfaced about a potential swap with the Lakers for Pau Gasol toward the end of the Sixers run in the playoffs. Then, there was a report that the Golden State Warriors were again interested in Iguodala. This time, the trade rumors involve the Toronto Raptors.
With a slew of league execs having converged on Chicago this week for the NBA's annual pre-draft camp, sources told ESPN.com that the Raptors have at least two known trade targets: Memphis swingman Rudy Gay and Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala.
The Raptors, sources said, are prepared to part with their lottery pick in this month's draft at least partly because they have a lottery pick on the way. Lithuanian star Jonas Valanciunas, selected No. 5 overall by Toronto in the 2011 draft, is poised to join the Raptors next season after the young 7-footer quickly established himself as one of the most exciting big men in Europe.
Yet it remains to be seen whether Toronto can manufacture the other assets needed to go with the No. 8 to tempt Memphis or Philly or any other team that surfaces with a top swingman available. Veteran point guard Jose Calderon (who possesses an expiring contract in 2012-13) and young big man Ed Davis are among the players that the Raptors would conceivably be willing to put into a trade package.
CBS Sports' Matt Moore says this about the potential trade:
Iguodala makes a ton of sense for both teams. The Sixers can get Jose Calderon's expiring contract to give them flexibility, along with a capable reserve forward in Davis, and an impact pick at the eighth spot. It would be a major rebuilding mode, but moving to rely more on Evan Turner might be a good plan, and adding Davis allows them to move Thaddeus Young to the starting lineup at the small forward position, or starting him while Brand comes off the bench at the four. The 8th spot opens up a lot of possibilities for them, including several quality bigs and replacement wings.
What do you think? Would you make the move? Let us know in the comments.
