Los Angeles Lakers: Five things on the team’s Christmas wish list

5.) Memphis Grizzlies agree to buyout Andre Iguodala

The Andre Iguodala buyout rumors have been going around ever since the Golden State Warriors traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this offseason. After getting a first-round pick in the deal, many thought that the Grizzlies would do right by Iguodala and agree to a buyout and allow him to sign with a team of his choosing, which has been reported to be the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, that hasn’t been the case, as the front office remains adamant in their plans to gain another first-round pick for the former Finals MVP. There’s just one problem, no contending team has the contracts necessary to match Iguodala’s $17 million salary, let alone the Los Angeles Lakers, who have the least amount of assets necessary to make a trade work.

From the outside, it seems strange that the Grizzlies are being this adamant about their demands. They have already gotten the first-round pick they desired from the Warriors, and it’s not as if buyouts of players of Iguodala’s caliber are uncommon. Just two years ago, the Hawks acquired Carmelo Anthony in a trade, and immediately negotiated a buyout with him.

Buyouts don’t always have to beneficial for just the player, too, as it also helps a team’s image. You don’t want to have the reputation of ‘holding a player hostage’, which can hurt your ability to sign free agents down the line.

So this holiday season, let’s do Iggy a solid and let him sign with a team of his choosing…as long as it’s the Lakers.