Vince Carter (Photo : Getty Images)
Memphis Grizzlies veteran Vince Carter could be a possibility for the Cleveland Cavaliers as the defending champs continue to look for pieces to help in their hopes of back-to-back titles.
The Cavs could be on the verge of a major retool, and the latest NBA rumors have Iman Shumpert as the possible trade piece Cleveland could use for their offseason plans.
Sam Amico of Amico Hoops has claimed the Cavs were attempting to shop Shumpert earlier this summer, and such move may become realistic after reports surfaced that Shumpert was arrested outside of Atlanta last month on suspicion of DUI.
While it is unclear whether the Cavs would truly consider trading Shumpert, there is a growing sense Cleveland may consider deals for the 26-year-old guard/forward. According to Quentin Albertie of King James Gospel, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, one of the "best trades" the Cavs may ponder is trading Shumpert to the Memphis Grizzlies for Vince Carter and Brandan Wright.
Carter, who is entering his 19th NBA season, would provide the Cavs a veteran scorer and a reliable threat from outside. Last season, the 39-year-old shooting guard only averaged 6.6 points, while playing 16.8 minutes a game. But in four games in the postseason, Carter posted 11.3 points on 45.5 percent shooting from the field, including 70 percent from beyond the arc.
In a Cavs team filled with talented players, there won't be too much pressure for Carter to produce, but he should be of value on clutch moments. Joining James and the Cavs would also give Carter the best opportunity to win an NBA championship before retiring from the sport.
On the other hand, Wright would provide the Cavs another solid rebounder and rim protection. A frontcourt tandem of Tristan Thompson and Chris Andersen should do well defending the paint for the Cavs, but adding Wright should help establish Cleveland's interior defense.
As noted by Albertie, acquiring Shumpert would give the Grizzlies a replacement for Tony Allen, who is on the final year of his deal with the Grizzlies. Shumpert, who played a key role in the Cavs' championship run last season, could also help the Grizzlies and Mike Conley in facilitating the offense.
Shumpert is coming off the worst season of his NBA career, averaging a career-low 5.8 points per game on 37.4 percent shooting from the field, including 29.5 percent from downtown, which could be a concern for any potential deal with the Grizzlies. But if Memphis do not see Carter as an essential piece for this season, it is a trade worth exploring for both teams.
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