Cleveland Cavaliers: Predicting 3 players who won’t be around in 2018
2. Iman Shumpert
Since last season, there were talks of the Cavaliers trying to part ways with Iman Shumpert. As we inch closer to the 2017-18 campaign, the conversation hasn’t quieted. In fact, some consider it a foregone conclusion that Shumpert will be playing elsewhere before the trade deadline.
Whatever you choose to believe, it’s clear that he’s being shopped.
Sources: Cleveland guard Iman Shumpert has made no trade request, but Cavaliers have actively shopped him since start of free agency.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 25, 2017
More than likely, the Cavaliers will find a taker at some point in the coming months. Despite his lack of overall value in Cleveland, I can absolutely see someone pulling the trigger if the price is right. He’s a quality (albeit inconsistent) defender, and does occasionally put together strong scoring outings. Shumpert isn’t the 3-and-D specialist many tout him as, but he’s decent.
The only real concern with Shumpert is his contract, which is a sore thumb to say the least. Set to make $10.3 million in 2017-18, he also has a $11 million player option for next season. That’s a lot of money to commit to a player who doesn’t do anything particularly well.
The Cavaliers could be forced to sweeten the pot to find a trade partner. However, especially with their current cap situation, they could use a little relief in the form of unloading Shumpert’s ugly figures for the next two seasons.
They’ll find a way to get him off the books before Feb. 8 rolls around.