Poor Iman Shumpert. He just can’t seem to get off the trade block.
Actually, maybe that’s a good thing for Shumpert, seeing as the Knicks are jostling with the Sixers for last place in the Atlantic Division. Despite the fact that Shumpert is one of only three Knicks to start all 23 games, the third-year guard is once again the subject of trade talk.
This time, rumors have Shumpert headed to Hollywood. The Los Angeles Lakers recently called the Knicks to “express their interest” in Shumpert, sources told ESPN.com. The sources also reportedly added that the Lakers are interested in Knicks center Tyson Chandler as well, although no deal is imminent.
The Lakers are in need of backcourt help now that all three of their point guards — Steve Nash, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar — are hurt. Kobe Bryant has taken on more point guard duties, which is how a natural two-guard like Shumpert would fit into L.A.’s backcourt with Bryant.
Shumpert makes roughly $1.7 million this season in the second-to-last year of his rookie contract, according to the NBA salary index ShamSports. He is due a relatively affordable $2.6 million next season before he becomes eligible for restricted free agency.
