Warriors snag Iguodala, Howard flies to Houston

The Dubs landed a big free agent fish Friday, but it wasn’t the superhero some had expected.

Just hours before learning they had lost the Dwight Howard sweepstakes to the Houston Rockets, the Warriors signed 6-foot-6 free-agent swingman and former Denver Nugget Andre Iguodala to a four-year, $48 million contract.

Iguodala has career averages of 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, and is known for fierce perimeter defense and consistent offense.

In order to sign Iguodala, Warriors general manager Bob Myers traded away the expiring contracts of Andris Biedrins, Richard Jefferson, and Brandon Rush, along with multiple future first and second round draft picks to the Utah Jazz. In return, the W’s received guard Kevin Murphy, reported Sam Amick of USA Today.

Bay Area News Groups Marcus Thompson II reported the Warriors also had to renounce their rights to both Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry to afford the deal.

Jack, loved by Warriors fans, said his farewell via Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Jarrettjack03/status/353249280183644160

Confirming the news himself, Iguodala tweeted to his new teammate Stephen Curry, Friday afternoon, and received shoutouts from other teammates as well.

https://twitter.com/andre/status/353244014197219331

https://twitter.com/Dlee042/status/353252172324012033

Iguodala spoke with TNT’s David Aldridge about playing for the Warriors, calling it a “great opportunity” in his attempt to win an NBA title:

https://twitter.com/daldridgetnt/status/353243958555582465

It’s clear that Myers and the rest of the Warriors front office is intent on improving the team.  Now that Howard has chosen a home in Houston, only time will tell if the Warriors have other moves up their sleeves for the rest of free agency.