The Miami Heat love making a splash in free agency. They are rumored to be interested in nearly every major player available this summer. There appears to be one exception to that rule, though. According to a report from ESPN's Chris Haynes, several major teams are in the market for former NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala. By all indications, the Heat fails to crack that list, though that could simply mean that they are keeping their interest under wraps.
Heat not among Iguodala's suitors
Haynes listed seven teams that appear to have an interest in Iguodala: the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, and Los Angeles Clippers. That list, of course, does not include the Golden State Warriors, who are making salary cap maneuvers in an effort to reclaim their former Finals MVP. Miami is noticeably absent from this list, a rarity on any list of a free agent's suitors this summer.
In all likelihood, Iguodala is going to stay put in the Bay Area. He has built a life in Golden State, both on and off the court.
He has also built a reputation among the fans and rapport with his teammates, must of who should be returning to defend their NBA title. Perhaps the only thing that would pull him away from Oakland is more money or the opportunity to be closer to a previous home of his. The Heat likely can't offer him any of those things.
Why Heat should pursue Iguodala
If the Heat aren't interested, however, they should get interested over the next week. For starters, they could use somebody with his championship pedigree. The team has some strong veterans in Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic, but they don't have a plethora of playoff experience. Iguodala would provide that experience, especially having been to the last three NBA Finals.
Iguodala can bring a defensive mentality that the Heat are already attempting to build with Whiteside at the forefront. Every team needs to embrace an identity and Iguodala can help foster that defensive mentality. He can also score when necessary and provide leadership off the bench. He would be the perfect veteran to mentor Justise Winslow. Of course, Miami would have to say goodbye to most of their free agents and convince Iggy to take a pay cut - that's the biggest roadblock for a potential union. But other than that major issue, bringing in Iguodala would make a lot of sense for Pat Riley and his team.