Reasons to not trade for Iverson

Iverson is a superstar, one of the best in this league. In one of my previous posts, I suggested that the Grizz should trade several of their players for a proven star, and Iverson seems like a great choice. However, abstaining from the Iverson sweepstakes is the right move for the Grizz.

Even with Iverson and Gasol, the Grizzlies won't make the playoffs this year. That means, the Grizz are essentially banking on the following two years with Iverson. However, since Iverson is old, he's likely to decline in each subsequent year so his best year here would end before the post-season.

The Grizzlies are poised to have significant money to pursue free agents in the off-season. taking on Iverson's 20+ million per year would prevent the Grizz from making any significant free agent deal for two and a half years. Therefore they'd be dependent on their current role players and others who'd be willing to sign for the minimum. It difficult (though not impossible) to add contributors by offering the minimum.

The Grizzlies already lose 10-20 million every year. Bringing Iverson would certainly increase revenue temporarily. However, in his first season the Grizzlies would miss the playoffs, and in his subsequent seasons, his level of play would likely fall off. Therefore, he probably wouldn't have time to generate the kind of excitement that would allow the Grizzlies to break even on the deal.

Because of these reasons Iverson isn't the right fit. Two years ago, he would have been a perfect addition. At this point a slightly younger veteran (like Paul Pierce) would be a better investment.

Furthermore, I'd wait until the season ends until trading for a veteran. If a young talent who can contribute for years to come becomes available, we should take him. There's no need to take on the risk of a huge contract/older player when there's no hope of making the playoffs.

Yes, there's no hope of making the playoffs.