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According to several sources, the Phoenix Suns are showing a great deal of interest in possibly acquiring guard Iman Shumpert from the New York Knicks, and they’re willing to give up veteran forward Jared Dudley to make it happen.
"As the Phoenix Suns try to reshuffle their roster for the future, their front office remains motivated to try to acquire New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.The Suns are willing to give New York a package that includes forward Jared Dudley and possibly a future first-round pick for Shumpert, but the Knicks have so far shown no inclination to do such a deal, sources said. (Yahoo Sports)"
New York would need to send out an additional $2.1 million to make a potential trade work, which could come in the form of guys like Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas and Ronnie Brewer.
Iman recently returned to action after being out for nine months with a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee. Through 11 games, Shumpert is averaging 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting just 34.3% from the field.
For Phoenix, Dudley is averaging 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 39% from behind-the-arc on the year. He’s averaging just 28.6 minutes, 12.4 points, 3.4 boards, 1.9 assists, 1.6 threes and 0.4 steals in seven games under new head coach Lindsey Hunter, compared to the 35.0 minutes, 13.4 points, 5.1 boards, 3.9 assists, 2.9 threes and 1.1 steals he recorded in Alvin Gentry’s last seven games as coach.
The Knicks are looking to compete for an NBA championship this season, so Dudley provides more of a sure thing than Shumpert does at the moment. Do you think New York brought in players like Camby, Jason Kidd and Rasheed Wallace because they DON’T want to win now?
Jared is only 27 years old, and he’s playing at an absolute bargain of a deal (three years, $12.8 million left), considering how well he’s been playing for the Suns.
Iman Shumpert has a much higher ceiling, so it’s no wonder that Phoenix is looking to acquire his talents. He would immediately become the best young prospect on the Suns roster. Goran Dragic is still the man at point guard, but Shumpert could easily play alongside him in the starting backcourt as a combo guard.
This also isn’t the first time Phoenix has tried to land Iman, as the Suns made a push for him this past summer in trade talks over Steve Nash.
I can’t fault the Suns for trying, but I will fault the Knicks if they pull the trigger.
I honestly don’t believe Jared Dudley would make New York any stronger than they already are. The Knicks are only 1.5 games behind the Miami Heat for first place in the Eastern Conference.
If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.
The Knicks have their point guard of the future in Shumpert. Having him learn from one of the best do ever to it in Jason Kidd is a huge plus. I don’t see how sacrificing that is a good idea.
His insane athleticism and tenacity on the defensive end guarding perimeter players are valuable assets in such a young, emerging guard.
He’s also one heck of a rapper. That’s pretty awesome, right? I don’t know what it means as far as this trade goes, but what the heck? I thought I’d throw it in there anyways.
New York holds all of the power, as Phoenix is more interested in Shumpert than the Knicks are in acquiring Dudley.
The Suns would make this move in a heartbeat.
The Knicks, well, should err on the side of caution.
It’s not worth it.
Chris Walder is the Editor of Sir Charles in Charge. You may follow hi on Twitter at @WalderSports