The Golden State Warriors' first priority this summer is retaining incumbent free agents. Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II and Otto Porter will all hit the open market when free agency opens on Thursday afternoon, their reputations burnished by playing key roles during the Warriors' dominant playoff run to a fourth title in eight seasons.
Another available reserve conspicuously absent from that list? Andre Iguodala, who took a backseat for Golden State in 2022-23 after signing a one-year deal to return The Bay last summer.
The Warriors, unsurprisingly, have already made it clear they want the 2015 Finals MVP to return. Both unable and unwilling to offer him much more than the $2.6 million salary he earned last season, though, they are hoping Iguodala's love for the game and affinity for his teammates and coaches outweighs the lure of retirement for at least one more season.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Golden State remains unaware of Iguodala's plans as the start of free agency looms:
As of Monday morning, the Warriors had still yet to be informed whether Andre Iguodala planned to retire or not. After completion of an 18th NBA season that included a fourth title, the Warriors are giving Iguodala the time and space to decide on his future, but have let it be known publicly they’d like to have him back because of the presence he provides in the building…The Warriors don’t know how or when Iguodala will inform them.
Iguodala averaged 4.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in just 19.5 minutes per game during the regular season, consistently flashing the sharp-witted two-way form that him such an integral part of Golden State's dynasty before he spent the last two seasons with Miami Heat.
But the skill limitations that initially made the Warriors such a perfect fit for Iguodala reached new levels regardless, as he shot 38.0% from the field and 23.0% on triples. At 38 years old, he didn't compensate for those looming offensive deficiencies with elite play on the other end, either, regularly ceding the toughest individual matchups to Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II.
Iguodala is more valuable to Golden State than any other team in the league. Even if he wanted to play elsewhere, it's highly unlikely he'd receive a competing contract offer worth more than the veteran's minimum. Non-shooting wings with fading defensive versatility whose availability fluctuates from game to game due to injuries and wear and tear aren't exactly hot commodities.
To a man, though, the Warriors have made abundantly clear just how impactful Iguodala's presence proved en route to yet another championship. Expect them to afford him all the time he needs to make a final decision on playing next season, the least Golden State can do for one of its living franchise legends.
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