The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves could be among the potential destinations for Iman Shumpert, with the Cleveland Cavaliers possibly attempting to trade the 26-year-old shooting guard in hopes of improving their roster.
Sam Amico of Amico Hoops claimed that the Cavs were trying to trade Shumpert earlier this summer, exploring trade options centered on the six-year veteran. While it remains to be seen whether the Cavs would pull the trigger on letting go of Shumpert, trading him seem imminent following his arrest on suspicion of DUI outside Atlanta last month.
Shumpert played 54 games in his full year with the Cavs last season and played a key role in the team's championship run. However, Shumpert struggled to put up strong numbers, recording his lowest production in his NBA career, averaging only 5.8 points per game on 37.4 shooting from the field, including 29.5 from the three-point area.
With a fairly low trade value, it would be difficult for the Cavs to turn Shumpert into valuable assets. But Quenton Albertie of King James Gospel, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves could emerge as trade partners for the Cavs.
In Albertie's trade scenario for the Lakers, the Cavs would send Shumpert to Tinsel Town for Nick Young and Larry Nance Jr., a deal which works on ESPN's trade machine.
Young, who many expect to get traded by the Lakers this season, would give the Cavs an outside threat, while Nance provides frontcourt versatility and athleticism.
Shumpert, on the other hand, gives the Lakers another veteran presence and elite perimeter defense, which the Lakers have been lacking from their current roster.
"Shumpert would be most effective if he joins Russell and second overall pick Brandon Ingram in the starting lineup to lead the unit defensively. Players like Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams will come off the bench to give the Lakers a strong second unit that can keep up the scoring when the starter sit," Albertie wrote.
While the Lakers seem more than willing to package Young in a potential trade, it is unlikely Los Angeles would deal Nance, who is becoming an essential piece for Luke Walton's schemes. Nance has displayed the potential to thrive under Walton's system, and the Lakers' front office would surely want to witness his development alongside other young teammates.
Meanwhile, another explored possible landing spot for Shumpert is the Timberwolves, who may consider bringing in a defensive stud for a defensive-minded coach like Tom Thibodeau.
At 26, Shumpert is young enough to be part of the Timberwolves' future and could also suit as a mentor due to his championship experiences with the Cavs. Shumpert should also address the need of the Timberwolves to add a veteran shooting guard.
In Albertie's trade scenario, the Wolves would send Kevin Garnett and a 2017 first round draft pick for Shumpert.
"Garnett is also an emotional leader that will be a great locker room presence and teacher for the young Cavs. James is currently the most vocal leader for the Cavs and, though immensely talented, would benefit from having another vocal leader on the team as the Cavaliers incorporate new players into the rotation," Albertie noted.
Garnett is still mulling over his decision on his 22nd season in the league. Timberwolves team owner Glen Taylor told NBA.com has yet to be informed of Garnett's plan, but it is a possibility the one-time NBA champ would consider playing for a top contender to end his career on a high note.
The Cavs are still in pole position to emerge as strong contenders in the league even without any drastic changes to their core. But if they deem Shumpert is expendable, trading him may not be a bad decision, especially if it would return someone who could help them defend their title.
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