The band is coming back together after all. Let’s just hope the Cleveland Cavaliers are at full-strength when it matters most next time around.
According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, restricted free agent Iman Shumpert has agreed to a four-year, $40 million deal with the reigning Eastern Conference champions.
Source: Iman Shumpert has agreed to a four-year, $40 million deal with the Cavs. Last year is a player option.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 1, 2015
Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the contract includes a player option for its final year.
Shumpert deal includes a player option on the fourth season, source said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2015
The 25-year-old emerged as a key cog for the Cavaliers after being traded from the New York Knicks in January. He’s David Blatt’s best perimeter defender outside of an engaged LeBron James, and emerged as a consistent three-point threat in the playoffs against the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks. Shumpert’s offense failed him versus the Golden State Warriors with a title on the line, but those struggles can be explained by nagging shoulder pain that required the aid of painkillers.
The next step for the flat-topped wing is further honing his jumper and developing a much greater comfort finishing in the paint. James has even forecasted award-winning defense for Shumpert going forward, too. If that optimism proves accurate, this contract could eventually be considered a steal – especially as the salary cap skyrockets to approximately $108 million for 2017-2018.
With Kevin Love locked-up and Tristan Thompson on the verge of his own multi-year deal, Cleveland is primed for even bigger and better things next season. And should Shumpert take just a small step forward on either end of the floor, the Cavaliers will be in an even better position to accomplish them.
[Via Alex Kennedy, Adrian Wojnarowski] [Via Northeast Ohio Media Group]
