The Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to improve the roster after losing in the NBA Finals. Now they’re in discussions with teams to trade Iman Shumpert.
The Cavaliers are trying to improve their team in NBA Free Agency, but they don’t have the salary cap space to do much. They’re waiting on veterans to take minimum salary and join as ring chasers. In the meantime, Dan Gilbert is still trying to convince Chauncey Billups to take the President of Basketball Operations job.
Cleveland tried its best to send Kevin Love in exchange for Paul George in a potential three-team trade, but it didn’t pan out. Now, they’re trying to move another player that could have some value on the trade market: Iman Shumpert.
Per HoopsHype’s Alex Kennedy, the Cavaliers are in discussion with other teams to move Shumpert.
Several teams have had discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers regarding an Iman Shumpert trade, according to sources.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 1, 2017
Shumpert was a key piece of the rotation for the Cavaliers, coming off the bench and becoming a huge defensive presence on the second unit. After coming from New York in a trade a few years ago, Shump has battled different injuries, but brings a toughness and edge on defense.
His offensive game still needs some work, as this past season he only averaged 7.5 points and 2.9 rebounds. His 3-point shooting improved as well as he shot 36 percent from long distance.
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The market for Shumpert is still uncertain and I’m not sure what the Cavaliers would be able to recoup in a trade. The Cavaliers’ shooting guard’s salary is set to be around $10.5 million this year, which is pretty cheap for a rotational player in today’s NBA.
Against Golden State, Shumpert’s offensive flaws seem to get exposed and so the Cavaliers are probably trying to create some cap space, while also trying to get someone else in return. The big question is will they find a partner and what comes back in return.