Warriors Free Agency: Andre Iguodala draws interest from Timberwolves, Spurs, Clippers, Sixers, among others

Golden State Warriors forward/guard Andre Iguodala has received interest from a long list of suitors as the NBA Free Agency 2017 period gets underway on Saturday. Iguodala, the 2015 NBA Finals MVP, has previously stated his desire to test the free agency waters but ultimately re-sign with the Warriors. Besides Iguodala, the Warriors have to contend with expiring contracts of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant (Player Option), Shaun Livingston, Zaza Pachulia, David West, Javale McGee, Ian Clark and Matt Barnes.

Iguodala, an extremely important piece of the Warriors juggernaut, will be No. 3 on the priority list behind superstars Durant and Curry, who are both expected to return to the Oakland-based franchise. Warriors general manager Bob Myers will have his work cut out starting Saturday.

While Curry is expected to sign a five-year contract in excess of US$200 million (AU$262 million), Durant, who will decline his 2017-18 Player Option worth US$27 million (AU$33 million), is reportedly willing to take a pay cut so the Warriors can bring back the entire core. If Durant were to sign a five-year max contract, his first year salary of approximately US$35 million (AU$46 million) would force the Warriors to renounce several players to clear cap room.

NBA Free Agency 2017: Teams suiting up for Andre Iguodala

According to ESPN's Chris Haynes, the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz are among the teams interested in Iguodala’s services. The report added that while there is no confirmation if Iguodala will take the free agency meetings, teams around the league reckon the reigning NBA champions can't afford to lose their Sixth Man and defensive ace. "A significant number of personnel within NBA circles have come to the conclusion that rather than building a superteam, it's much more economically feasible and expeditious to just pluck away talent from the Bay Area juggernauts."

Earlier this month, ESPN's Micah Adams wrote in an insider article that Livingston is "the most obvious casualty" due to Patrick McCaw's impressive rookie season. "Livingston is the most logical casualty even though he just played very well in the Finals, where he shot 53 percent, played respectable defence and turned it over just once in 75 minutes. He's the perfect stabilizing force off the bench."

Besides Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala, the likes of Kyle Lowry, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Gordon Hayward will also become unrestricted free agents when 2017 NBA Free Agency commences in July. The Warriors will also be in the market for other veteran free agents who would sign for the mid-level exception. Stay tuned for the latest news and rumblings on the impending Warriors free agency.