NBA Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Trading Iman Shumpert for Miami Heat’s Goran Dragic

By Carlo Monzon
Goran Dragic
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) is tripped up by Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the second half at Sprint Center. Minnesota won 109 - 100.  Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Both Iman Shumpert and Goran Dragic have reportedly been placed by the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. With these two teams looking for new players for their lineups, a trade deal between the Cavs and Heat could happen in the near future.

For the Heat, the team has turned to the offseason and free agency in rebuilding its roster. Like other teams in the league, Miami's goal is to fill its lineup with younger and more athletic players. Sadly for Dragic, who is now 30 years old, the Heat believe that he no longer fits in the newly structured team.

Because of this, the team has reportedly resorted to shopping around the point guard in exchange for a younger player who can fit well with the current lineup.

Luckily for Miami, the Cavs, too, are looking for a veteran backup guard who can fill up the No. 2 spot behind Kyrie Irving or J.R. Smith.

Dragic would fit well with the rest of the Cavs and will certainly be able to adapt well to the momentum set by team leader LeBron James. His veteran status and deep experience playing professional basketball for different teams and countries will serve him well and the rest of the Cavs who are certainly looking to retain their NBA championship this year.

Shumpert, on the other hand, is an ideal player who can boost a team's defense, something that the Heat are currently looking for. Also, even though they are targeting young players, they still need a veteran who could lead the team, a key role that they lost when Dwayne Wade left the team during the offseason to sign with the Chicago Bulls.

In addition, Shumpert's experience playing through the NBA Finals last season will serve as a valuable asset for the Heat, who are currently looking to make a comeback this year.

But, if Miami wants to acquire Shumpert they will have to act fast since other teams, such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, are also interested in signing him.

"Several teams, including Minnesota, have acquired about his availability in the past few weeks and gotten the impression Cleveland is ready to talk, according to several league sources," ESPN's Zach Lowe claimed.

"The Cavs won't salary-dump Shump for nothing, but given their tax situation, cutting payroll by a few million promises exponential savings," he added.

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