With the NBA Trade Deadline looming, 3pm Thursday, Ed Stefanski has a tough choice to make.
To trade Andre Iguodala or stand pat?
A few weeks ago, no one on the Sixers was untouchable, not even Andre Iguodala. A few weeks ago the Sixers were absolutely desperate to unload some contracts. It seemed as if they’d have very few takers.
My have things changed.
Not only have them been the talk of numerous trade speculation, they actually hold the cards in their favor.
Crazy right?
The Phoenix Suns want Andre Iguodala, and they want him bad. So badly in fact that reports are they’ve sweetened the offer for Iguodala and Dalembert. Straight up Amare Stoudemaire and Leandro Barbosa for Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert.
A few weeks ago, the Sixers would have jumped at the chance.
My have things changed.
Now Ed Stefanski is having second thoughts, and perhaps he should. Word around many NBA circles is that most teams were “salivating” at the thought of being able to acquire Andre Iguodala. Iguodala is seen around the NBA as the perfect “side kick” to a superstar, or that “final piece” on a good team.
The interest for Iguodala has sky-rocketed, although only a few teams are in the right cap situation to take on Iggy’s contract.
So now Stefanski is stuck, what do to? Trade away the most valuable piece and try to rebuild again? Or do you have to go another route, and build around Iguodala? Either way it’s going to be tough.
If that wasn’t bad enough now Ed has another possible deal to chew on.
As I stated before the Suns really want Andre Iguodala. And if straight up won’t work, how about a three-way trade. One that doesn’t involve the Sixers acquiring Amare Stoudemire. It would be a three-way deal involving the Suns, Sixers and Cavaliers. The Sixers would end up with Leandro Barbosa, J.J Hickson, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas (a.k.a – CAP SPACE.) The Suns would get what they want, Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert. And the Cavs would get what they want, Amare.
I for one would be in favor of this trade. Amare may be a fantastic player, but there’s no telling if he’ll opt out. And if he doesn’t you’re just as stuck as you were before. J. J Hickson is a rookie with high upside, and Barbosa is a nice solid player to add. Plus you’ll get cap space, and perhaps a draft pick in the deal. I see it as a win.
Either way, Stefanski has a tough choice to make. The foreseeable future of the 76ers is literally in his hands right now. Let’s hope Ed does the right thing, if not it’ll cost him his job.
No pressure Eddie!
- Mike Santa Barbara
*** Follow me on Twitter @Mike__SB ***
