The new front office of the Memphis Grizzlies wanted their situation with Andre Iguodala to set an organizational tone, and that is why they've resisted buying him out, according to Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN.
The Grizzlies have not moved from that position leading to a trade deadline in which they expect to receive an asset in return for Iguodala:
Buyouts have become a common solution for such situations, but the Grizzlies were steadfast in their opposition to paying out about 85% of Andre Iguodala's salary for him to play elsewhere. Those with knowledge of Memphis' thinking say a small-market franchise with new front-office leadership wanted to set this kind of organizational tone:
We are not a feeder system for the league's glamour destinations. You don't build a championship culture by subsidizing teams you compete against on a nightly basis with talent — and covering the tab. That's a doormat mentality that sends the wrong message to your players, coaches, front-office personnel, fans, ticket salespeople, sponsors, agents and broadcast partners.
On Monday, a report from David Aldridge of The Athletic said Iguodala is prepared to sit out the remainder of the season if the Grizzlies are unable to trade him to one of the agreed-upon teams he designated.
Iguodala and the Grizzlies mutually agreed before the season started that he would not report to the team while the front office tried to find a trade partner. Memphis is dead set on getting a first-round pick in an Iguodala trade after initially getting one when acquiring him.
The Grizzlies have unexpectedly become a playoff contender this season, with rookie point guard Ja Morant and second-year big man Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the charge. They are 25-25 on the season and sitting in the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference. Memphis has a 2.5-game lead over the Portland Trail Blazers.
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