The NBA 2016-2017 regular season just came to a start but even early in the season there are already trade rumors circling the league. Cavaliers swingman Iman Shumpert is rumored to be traded by the franchise. Salary cap space and roster spots could be the logical reasons why the franchise is willing to let go of the 26-year-old defensive specialist.
Shumpert played big roles in the June finals as he helped the Cavaliers snatch their first ever NBA championship against the Golden State Warriors. The duel between the two top teams in the NBA reached a dramatic seven-game series. The Cavaliers were down in the series at one point but manage to rally three straight wins and is the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win an NBA championship.
As the new season starts, the Cavaliers front office would really want everyone in that same championship squad to be part of this year's team as they defend their crown. But according to Bleacher Report, monetary reasons and roster deficiencies could force the organization to let Shumpert go.
Shumpert could be involved in a three-way deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings. According to Headlines & Global News, the Cavaliers will get Darren Collison and Ben Mclemore from the Kings; the Kings would get Ricky Rubio from the Timberwolves, and the Timberwolves would acquire Iman Shumpert from the Cavaliers.
The trade could happen as the season goes by as it meets the standards of NBA trade rules and each team could really benefit from the trade. Macklemore and Collison could fill up the spots as backup guards for the Cavs, Shumpert's defensive skills can complement Timberwolves guard Zach Lavine and Rubio would also be a perfect fit for the Kings if the franchise could do some minor roster changes in the upcoming season.
Trades really are a big part in the NBA but will the Cavaliers let Iman Shumpert go? This new season is something to look out for.
