5 X-Factor 2017 free agents OKC Thunder should target

Andre Iguodala:

Speaking of champions, another Warriors player who would be an interesting addition is Andre Iguodala. Let’s face it Iggy is so much more than his stats say. Here is the man who quite literally changed the dynamics of the finals 3 seasons ago.

It’s hard not to love what Iguodala offers. When Steve Kerr convinced him to move to the bench it set the standard. Who was going to complain about minutes or their role when a guy like Iggy who could start for every team in the NBA was coming off the bench?

Arguably, what Iggy does for the Warriors better than anyone on the roster is seize the moment. Evidence of this was his MVP win in the Warriors  2015 title. Or his 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists plus 18 differential in the closing title game this season.

Certainly, his 7.6 points, 4 rebounds,  3.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game paint only a partial picture. Even his 36.2 perimeter percentage seems tainted since odds are those shots probably occurred predominantly in critical moments.

Iguodala is simply a quality individual with fundamental skills in every aspect of the game. He is an amazing leader, role model, and motivator. For these reasons having Iggy as one of your free agent targets is a no-brainer.

Irony at it’s best:

Furthermore, Iguodala was the Warrior Kevin Durant respected the most. Consequently, his was the last voice heard by KD in the Hamptons. So, the irony is thick as Iguodala may be who Golden State has to forfeit. Bobby Marks of The Vertical highlights the very real potential of GSW losing their key ‘other’ due to the long term costs of keeping the core together:

"Although Golden State doesn’t need to trade any of its four All-Stars, ownership will need to weigh the value of roster flexibility and tax consequences against winning NBA championships. In other words, if ownership is willing to pay, the Warriors core four can stay together. The projected price to keep the burgeoning dynasty together? A mere $1.4 billion over next four years."

The above numbers don’t even reflect the very real offers Iguodala is likely to garner. In fact, they fall at least $5 million under what he can draw on the open market.  ESPN’s Chris Hayes reports 7 teams are interested:

"Andre Iguodala has become the foremost target in an attempt to weaken the Golden State Warriors‘ choke hold on the NBA, league sources have told ESPN. The Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz are among the teams interested in the 2015 NBA Finals MVP, sources tell ESPN."

Although I think GSW should be most concerned about the Wolves or Spurs it sure would be fun to see OKC on this list and the inevitable fall out his signing in OKC would create. No, it’s unlikely as too much juggling of existing assets would need to occur — but hey, one can dream right?