5 under-the-radar players the Miami Heat could target at the NBA trade deadline
By Frank Urbina
2. Cleveland Cavaliers SG/SF Iman Shumpert
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently went on The Insiders podcast to talk about Cleveland’s options as the deadline nears. He made a surprising comment about their current starting 2-guard, Iman Shumpert, stating that he is “definitely” available for trade talks.
Rotoworld expounded a bit. With the Cavs acquisition of Kyle Korver, and JR Smith’s return fast approaching, Shumpert may be superfluous on their roster.
And despite Rodney McGruder’s play (he’s been excellent lately), the Heat still need a better option to start at small forward. Shumpert could be the right match. He is one of the better wing defenders in the NBA, and shooting a career-high 40 percent from three this season. Shumpert is also under contract for two more years, at an average of merely $10 million.
Acquiring an elite 3-and-D role player would do a lot to help Miami’s playoff push. In exchange for Shumpert, the Heat could offer Cleveland two of the following: Wayne Ellington, McRoberts, Dion Waiters, Josh Richardson, or Luke Babbitt. The Cavs would receive the extra guard they want, along with a big who can stretch the floor.