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Fansided

14 Players the Denver Nuggets gave up on way too soon

By Tyler Watts

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a break in the action against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a break in the action against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets, Andre Iguodala (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

10. Andre Iguodala

Iguodala’s only played one season with the Nuggets, but it was right in the middle of his prime. The 6’6 wing was fresh off his only All-Star appearance, and he just helped the Sixers upset the top-seeded Chicago Bulls in the first round of the playoffs. Philadelphia was knocked out by the Celtics in the second round, and they were eager to shake up their roster in the offseason.

The deal for Iguodala was expanded to a four-team trade that had key pieces flying everywhere, including Dwight Howard ending up on the Lakers, Andrew Bynum heading to Philly, and the Magic getting Nikola Vucevic and a host of role players.

Denver had made the playoffs nine straight years, but they advanced beyond the first round just once. The Nuggets were hoping Iguodala could help get over the hump and help them make a deep run. Iggy was an outstanding two-way player in the Mile High City, but the Nuggets were again bounced in the first round of the playoffs.

Iguodala decided to leave Denver in the 2013 offseason for Golden State. The Nuggets reportedly offered a five-year deal, but he accepted four years for $48 million from Golden State where he would help them win four championships in eight years. Iggy wanted to join the Warriors, and it turned into a fantastic move for him and the franchise. The Nuggets ultimately agreed to a sign-and-trade with the Dubs to get something back in return.

Could the Denver Nuggets have done more to keep him? Would it have worked? Only Andre Iguodala knows for sure, but it was painful to see him leave Denver after just one season. The Nuggets missed the playoffs five straight years after his departure, and they had to find a way to keep him to avoid that fate.