Mavericks had Andre Iguodala ready to sign in 2013 but made him wait

The Dallas Mavericks have a history of chasing marquee free agents and coming up short. They have famously been spurned by Deron Williams, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, DeAndre Jordan, and many others. The Mavs always tried to put as much talent around Dirk Nowitzki as possible. They struck out several times, but Dallas proved they will do whatever it takes to win.

Andre Iguodala joining the Golden State Warriors in 2013 helped them go from playoff team to dynasty. The Dubs made the playoffs before getting Iguodala for just the second time since 1994. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were blossoming. Draymond Green had just finished his rookie year. They needed an All-Star caliber veteran. Acquiring Iggy pushed them to another level and jump-started their incredible run.

The move to the Warriors almost never happened, though. Iguodala went on J.J. Redick’s The Old Man and the Three podcast, which dropped on July 14. He told a story about being this close to joining the Mavericks in 2013.

Andre Iguodala was ready to come to the Mavericks in 2013 but they made him wait

Hear Iguodala tell the story below. He was ready to sign with the Mavs, but they made him wait in hopes of landing Dwight Howard. Dallas’ lack of reaction cost them both free agents.

Igoudala dropped a massive NBA what-if on the podcast. He was a key piece in Golden State winning three titles and making it to five NBA Finals. The Mavericks missed the playoffs in 2013 for the first time since 2000. They wanted to add talent to get back into title contention.

Dwight Howard had made seven straight All-Star appearances but was coming off a messy breakup with the Lakers. He was at the peak of his powers in 2013. Iguodala was an All-Star in 2012 and was also in his prime. The Mavericks chose to wait on Howard’s decision and lost out on Iguodala.

How would things have been different if Andre Iguodala signed with the Dallas Mavericks? Golden State would have been missing a key piece of their dynasty. Dallas would not have signed Monta Ellis. The move would have altered the course of NBA history. Fans can dream up multiple scenarios after Iggy’s comments.

The Dallas Mavericks will be back chasing marquee free agents this summer. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.