The Cleveland Cavaliers are widely expected to pull the trigger on a trade soon and surprisingly it could be someone they recently signed to a big multi-year deal.
Iman Shumpert is reportedly on the trade block, something that comes a bit of a surprise, considering he signed a four-year $40 million deal back in the offseason. However, a lot is tied up to his performance for this season.
Compared to last season, Shumpert's production has been down, although the Cavs may have overlooked the fact that the swingman is coming off a series of injuries.
Shumpert suffered a wrist injury in the offseason and is currently dealing with a groin injury. Hampered by such, the two issues could be part of the reason why Shumpert is experiencing a dip in performance.
The most recent on why the trade is on the table is believed to be tied up with the fact that Shumpert's focus has been diverted to something else — rapping.
Brian Windhorst made the pitch to WKNR, singling out rapping and clothing line that may be diverting the swingman's attention outside the basketball court.
So in short, Shumpert's desire is under the radar and one of the reasons why the Cavs are listening to offers. However, with that big contract, it may take a major trade to have it done.
Shumpert is the third player the Cavs are considering for trade following Timofey Mozgov and the debatable case of Kevin Love.
Mozgov's name has been in the trade rumor mill for quite some time now and he is seen as the first player likely to be dealt soon.
In Love's case, the Cavs have denied any plans of dealing the All-Star forward. Nonetheless, that does not include a possibility of snagging an equally valuable player addition that can only be doused once the NBA trade deadline lapses later today, Feb. 18.
