Last July, Golden State Warriors small forward Andre Iguodala was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Just two months later and the Grizzlies and Iguodala reached a mutual agreement that effectively let the former Finals MVP part ways with the team.

And while Iguodala is still on the Grizzlies roster, the veteran swingman has yet to appear in a game for Memphis and as of now, doesn't look like he's going to unless he is traded. Iguodala was vocally less than happy when he learned he was traded to Memphis since the thought was the Grizzlies were rebuilding, and the 15-year veteran was searching for another championship or at least to play on a playoff team.

Yet, fast forward three months into the season and the Grizzlies are in the midst of their first six-game win streak since 2016 and currently, 19-22, sit as the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

With a salary of over $17 million dollars this season, Memphis ‘ highest-paid player isn't playing for the team. It isn't a guarantee that the Grizzlies can keep up this level of success and sneak into the playoffs in a tough Western Conference. Regardless, with young stars such as Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis has built itself a solid core and one that could probably use more veteran presence.

At the same time, whether it's recency bias or not, the Grizzlies are playing great basketball. The team chemistry is great and people are excited about Memphis basketball for the first time in a while. Morant is almost guaranteed the Rookie of the Year award by now and the team can score with the best of them.

Adding back a player like Iguodala, while beneficial in many ways, would likely take away from the development of the many young prospects that Memphis has on the roster. Often times, the best way to improve is to get experience and with one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, the Grizzlies are demonstrating that.

And while the Grizzlies could very well sneak into the playoffs for the first time in three seasons, it'll likely be as the seventh or eighth seed. The Grizzlies are one of the best up-and-coming teams in the league but that doesn't mean they're contenders.

If Iguodala is serious about winning another championship, he should still try to push his way out of Memphis. The team is doing just fine without him and while he is still a great role player in the league, at 35 years old, Iggy simply isn't what he used to be.

I don't think it would necessarily hurt the Grizzlies if Iguodala came back and played for the team. In fact, I think his veteran leadership would really help a young team.

But, it seems that's not what Iguodala wants and the Grizzlies should lean into the youth movement they have going right now because it's clearly working.