Realistic Iman Shumpert Trades That Actually Work for NY Knicks
The New York Knicks may be shooting for the stars with an Iman Shumpert trade, but it's probably time to set the sights a little lower.
While Shumpert is a nice player, he simply can't be the primary asset used to acquire a guy like Rajon Rondo. It's somewhat telling that the Denver Nuggets balked at giving up Kenneth Faried without the inclusion of multiple draft picks. It's also a little problematic that the Knicks don't have a first-round pick to deal until 2018.
Acquiring a major contributor for Shumpert is difficult for a few reasons, but that doesn't mean the Knicks still can't improve by addressing a need in the frontcourt.
With the losses piling up and Knicks owner James Dolan likely ready for any excuse to change things up, let's look at some slightly more realistic deals the Knicks could explore for Iman Shumpert.
Sacramento Kings
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The Trade: Sacramento Kings trade Jason Thompson (four years, $24.8 million) and Isaiah Thomas (one year, $884,293) to New York for Raymond Felton (three years, $11.3 million) and Iman Shumpert (two years, $4.3 million).
Why New York Does It: Jason Thompson may not be spectacular, but he's a solid option in the frontcourt who possesses a really nice mid-range jumper. Thompson's size and rebounding ability could allow the Knicks to play big or small once Chandler returns. It also doesn't hurt that Thompson is a CAA client, as that agency practically runs the Knicks.
The inclusion of Isaiah Thomas is what could put this deal over the top, as Thomas could provide a huge scoring lift to the Knicks' offense. Losing Felton's friendly long-term deal may be tough, but it's necessary to make the salaries work. The Knicks could also match any offer on Thomas in restricted free agency, so long as they remain willing to pay the luxury tax.
Plus, it would just be fun to have a guy named Isaiah Thomas back at Madison Square Garden, right?
Why Sacramento Does It: The Kings get to clear the future salary of Thompson, who hasn't meshed well with DeMarcus Cousins and may be a little too redundant with Carl Landry once he returns.
Giving up on Thomas may hurt, but locking up a cheap point guard like Felton instead of risking big offers being handed out to both Greivis Vasquez and Thomas this offseason in restricted free agency may be a cost-safe solution. The Kings will likely need to choose between Vasquez and Thomas at some point anyway.
The Kings have been rumored to be playing with the idea of trading for Shumpert, and his addition on the wing as a solid defender, three-point shooter and extra ball-handler could be a great fit. Although there would be some overlap with Ben McLemore offensively, the Kings could use someone to stop all the penetration they allow defensively.
Memphis Grizzlies
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The Trade: Memphis Grizzlies trade Ed Davis (one year, $3.1 million) to New York for Iman Shumpert (two years, $4.3 million), Cole Aldrich (one year, $884,293) and Toure' Murry (one year, $490,180).
Why New York Does It: Ed Davis has played just 12 minutes a game for Memphis this season after barely seeing the floor last year, but we saw what he was capable of in extended time with the Toronto Raptors.
Adding a rebounding, shot-blocking big man to the front line who can also score out of the post could help the offense survive when Anthony is out of the game. Davis is probably one of the best rim protectors available out there, even if he's not a true center.
No one is quite sure what Davis will demand on the open market, but the Knicks seriously lack youth in the frontcourt now and going forward. The Knicks may have to pay up after this year, but Davis' potential is probably worth it.
Why Memphis Does It: Although the Grizzlies just locked up backup swingman Quincy Pondexter, he'll likely take over for Tayshaun Prince at the 3 in the future. Tony Allen is still an incredible defender, but if the Grizzlies are looking for a young replacement option who can actually shoot the three, Shumpert might be the guy.
It's hard to tell if the Grizzlies are burying Davis because Kosta Koufos is a better option or because they want to keep his value low next year in restricted free agency. If the Grizzlies want to end the Randolph trade speculation and add some help on the wing, making a move for a cheap contributor like Shumpert could work.
Orlando Magic
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The Trade: Orlando Magic trade Andrew Nicholson (three years, $5.2 million) and a second-round pick to New York for Iman Shumpert (two years, $4.3 million)
Why New York Does It: Nicholson is one of the more skilled big men in the league. He can shoot all the way out to the three-point line and he's a really nice post scorer with good footwork. Problem is, he's in a bit of a logjam in Orlando, and the returns of Tobias Harris and Glen Davis won't help his case.
Although he's not a great athlete by any means, Nicholson uses his body well and understands positioning. He doesn't bring the name value, but Nicholson is averaging 17 points and eight boards per 36 minutes on his career. He's a solid offensive option with room to grow defensively.
Salary-wise, Nicholson is one of the few big men the Knicks could try to acquire straight up right now. If all the patience is exhausted with Shumpert, Nicholson is one of the best immediate options before December 15, which is the date all free agents signed this offseason become eligible to trade.
Why Orlando Does It: Understanding why Orlando would do this is a little tougher, but a small lineup with Victor Oladipo, Arron Afflalo and Iman Shumpert would be pretty insane defensively, and Shumpert's ball-handling ability could be of use if the Magic really do view Oladipo as a point guard.
Even if Shumpert would need to come off the bench, he'd still have a clearer path to playing time than Nicholson would, and it's not out of the question that Orlando will shop Afflalo at some point, especially with his value peaking right now.
Los Angeles Lakers
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The Trade: Los Angeles Lakers trade Jordan Hill (one year, $3.5 million) and Jordan Farmar ($884,293) to New York for Iman Shumpert (two years, $4.3 million), Cole Aldrich (one year, $884,293) and Beno Udrih (one year, $884,293).
Why New York Does It: Hill isn't nearly the defensive player Tyson Chandler is, obviously, but he could replicate much of his rebounding on both ends of the floor while adding energy to the rotation. The Knicks need someone who will play hard up front every night, and while Hill will make his mistakes, he'll make up for a lot with his non-stop motor.
Hill is a much more polished player than he was during his first stop in New York. His pick-and-pop game has improved, and he could certainly relieve some of the pressure on Chandler in bigger lineups. The addition of Jordan Farmar could also add some athleticism off the bench.
Why Los Angeles Does It: Lakers fans might riot considering how well Hill is currently playing, but it makes sense to sell high and try to bring back a cheap asset for next season, especially when you factor in that Hill will be an unrestricted free agent after this year. The Lakers should have their sights set much higher with all that cap space.
Flipping Hill for Shumpert would give the Lakers an athletic "3 and D" guy to add to a roster that could have two aging, slow players in Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant. Getting someone who can cover multiple positions and take the toughest defensive assignment every night would be a wise decision.
Houston Rockets
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The Trade: Houston Rockets trade Greg Smith (one year, $884,293) and Francisco Garcia (two years, $2.5 million) to New York for Iman Shumpert (two years, $4.3 million) and Cole Aldrich (one year, $884,293)
Why New York Does It: The blow of losing a good defender like Shumpert is lessened with the addition of Garcia, who is a good corner-three shooter with the size to play and cover either wing spot.
Greg Smith is currently out with a knee injury, so this deal would almost certainly have to wait until he returns and proves he's healthy. Smith may not be a big name, but he has a massive frame with great hands, and he's an excellent shot-blocker. He can make an impact right away.
Why Houston Does It: If the Knicks want to upgrade from Garcia and get a little more athletic, Shumpert could work as a smaller 3 when he's not backing up James Harden. This wouldn't be a massive upgrade for the present, but Shumpert's potential is worth betting on.
Adding another ball-handler could also make Jeremy Lin a little more expendable, which might be a serious option if a trade for Omer Asik brings back an expiring deal. The Rockets could be a sneaky contender in free agency next season if Asik and Lin are both dealt for expiring contracts.
Although Smith has much more potential, bringing in a true center like Aldrich to replace some of Asik's minutes makes sense as well.
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