Miami Heat: 3 questions as the NBA season nears a return to play

The Miami Heat went out and got Andre Iguodala in a package from the Memphis Grizzlies at this seasons trade deadline. Will he end up being worth the move?

Is Andre Iguodala ready to contribute?

When Pat Riley pulled the trigger on the Andre Iguodala deal, it was met with mixed reactions. But when the Miami Heat signed him to a two-year extension, some serious red flags went off.

The 2014-2015 Finals MVP is 36 years old. Is he ready to contribute for this team come playoffs?

In his 14 games this season he was the same versatile forward that contributed to all three of the Golden State Warriors championships. He averaged 4.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, on 49 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent from behind-the-arc.

At this stage of his career, Iguodala is still a guy you’ll want on your bench but for Miami, he was supposedly the major trade deadline acquisition this season. There are certain expectations that follow with that.

The one thing going in Iguodala’s favor is the recent break of play. If he takes this time to continue getting into proper basketball shape, he could likely be a difference-maker for Miami this postseason.

However, if he comes out and looks rusty or out of shape, the Iguodala trade and eventual extension will start to garner a lot more disdain from fans and league executives. Remember that the Heat gave up 24-year old forward Justise Winslow in that deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, although they did receive Solomon Hill and Jae Crowder as well.

Miami can always trade the 16-year veteran, but on the deal he’s been given, it may prove more difficult for opposing playoff teams to match his salary while not giving up integral pieces of their personnel. Andre Iguodala has never been traded in his 15 previous seasons–until now.

Now with the Miami Heat, there’s an opportunity to remind fans why that’s the case.