Kevin Love? Back.
Tristan Thompson? Back.
Iman Shumpert? After a little threatening, back.
Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders:
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
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
Shumpert deal includes a player option on the fourth season, source said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2015
Cleveland needed someone like Shumpert. He’s the only strong wing defender on the roster. LeBron James isn’t interested in that role over a full season anymore.
But at that price, I would have let him seek an offer sheet and then matched. That could have backfired if Shumpert signs a bigger deal elsewhere or accepted the qualifying offer, but I think it was worth the risk.
Anyway, it’s only money. Shumpert won’t limit the Cavaliers’ flexibility. They’ll be far above the luxury-tax line regardless. As long as Dan Gilbert is willing to spend – and he clearly is – there’s no drawback to this signing.
The upside is clear: Cleveland is in even strong position to contend for championships the next few years.
