Before the end of trade deadline, Houston Rockets is reported to actively pursue Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert. However, Cavaliers has stated to keep Shumpert in Cleveland.
Beside Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves is also reported to have its interest in Shumpert, Bleacher Report has learned. The Wolves has targeted Shumpert for some time but the team is reluctant to let go its point guard Ricky Rubio or Kris Dunn for the 26-year-old shooting guard.
Shumpert is a unique player with a good defensive trait. He is a great defender which can fortify the perimeter defense which will be needed by Rockets after letting go Corey Brewer to Los Angeles Lakers.
Rockets has currently acquired wing players Lou Williams from Lakers with first round draft picks in exchange for Brewer. Rockets may not have a good offer to Cavs as Cavaliers is currently targeting a point guard.
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue said Wednesday Feb. 22 that he had not heard any trade negotiation involving Shumpert, Cleveland reported. He said that the trade business is handled by general manager David Griffin, but he prefer to keep his current team.
The 6’5” wing player is currently a starter for the Cavaliers since JR Smith injured his thumb an underwent surgery to fix the fracture last December. He is expected to return in mid March or early April.
Cavaliers have also acquired Kyle Korver from Atlanta Hawks last month. When JR Smith recovers, combination between the two wing players in the perimeter will provide a lethal offense for Cleveland. That will make Shumpert the second option in the shooting guard position.
Statistically speaking, this season Shumpert is a little better than Smith who sharply declines from last season. Smith only averages 8.2 points per game with 33.7 percent shooting accuracy. While Shumpert has 7.7 points with 41.9 percent shooting from the field.
Watch the biography of Shumpert below from his official YouTube channel below: