Fansided

New York want to keep Iman Shumpert in possible Knicks-76ers trade

By Trisity Miller

Apr 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert (21) drives to the basket during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks defeat the Chicago Bulls 100-89. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Apr 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert (21) drives to the basket during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks defeat the Chicago Bulls 100-89. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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In the NBA there is no such thing as an non-tradeable contract. For franchises who dole out contracts that age terribly over time, the consequence for moving that deal is to get rid of an asset.

Insert the New York Knicks.

Phil Jackson has found a potential buyer for Amar’e Stoudmire in the Philadelphia 76ers. In order to make this deal work, the Knicks will have the throw in an asset. Since New York lack draft picks to entice Philly, players will do the trick and according to Ian Begly of ESPN New York, that player is Iman Shumpert–and possibly second-year guard Tim Hardaway. But Begly reports Phil Jackson isn’t so keen to moving Shumpert in this deal:

From ESPN New York:

"The New York Post, which earlier reported the Knicks talks with Philly regarding Stoudemire, reports that the Knicks are unwilling to include Iman Shumpert in such a transaction."

Jackson’s stance on Shumpert is a bit puzzling.

Prior to the 2014 NBA Draft, Shumpert was included in several trade rumors as the franchise hoped to secure a first-round pick in what was hyped up as the deepest draft since possibly 2003. At the trade deadline in February 2014, Shumpert was extremely close to being sent to the Los Angeles Clippers for Darren Collison, Matt Barnes, and possibly then-rookie Reggie Bullock.

While the Sixers taking Stoudemire’s contract would help the Knicks improve their chances of retaining Carmelo Anthony and adding talent prior to the summer of 2015, there may be no reason to move Shumpert just to unload the albatross deal Amar’e was signed under in 2010. By the end of next season, Amar’e will be a free agent and the organization will be free from the oft-injured power forward for good.

It all depends on what Phil Jackson wants to do. His dilemma just goes to show you what there’s a price to pay when attempting to unload a terrible contract.

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