TMZ recently caught up with Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Iman Shumpert who shared his thoughts about Kyrie Irving. Earlier this week, the trade that sends Irving to the Boston Celtics became official. Shumpert said he has no "hard feelings" towards Irving. He added that the All-Star playmaker is his brother, and it is all business.
The TMZ reporter then asked Shumpert about the Cavaliers' season opener against the Celtics on October 17. Shumpert tried to downplay the much-anticipated game. However, when questioned about a potential matchup with Irving, the 27-year-old jokingly responded, "I know all his moves." There is a familiarity between Shumpert and Irving since they were teammates in Cleveland for nearly three seasons and won one championship together.
Uncertain future
It looks like Shumpert is ready to take on Irving and the Celtics, even though it is unknown if he will still be with the Cavaliers in the 2017-18 NBA season. A few days ago, he was in the trade rumor mill. According to one report, he requested a trade right after Cleveland's previous campaign. A different speculation contradicted this, explaining that it was the Cavaliers who were looking to part ways with him. They had negotiations with the Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, but nothing happened.
Pelicans targeting Shumpert
If the Cavaliers fail to reach an agreement with either the Timberwolves or the Rockets for Shumpert, they may want to communicate with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Basketball Insiders' Cody Taylor wrote in a recent report that a league source said the Pelicans are "interested" in Shumpert.
As of the moment, New Orleans is seeking another wing player following the injury to Solomon Hill. The 26-year-old will be out for six to eight months. He underwent surgery to repair a hamstring tear suffered this offseason.
The Pelicans are looking at different options to replace Hill, and Shumpert is one of them. Aside from the Cavaliers guard, they are considering bringing back Dante Cunningham. NBA veterans Josh Smith, Chase Budinger, and Martell Webster also worked out for the roster spot.
It is unknown who or what the Pelicans can give to the Cavaliers in exchange for Shumpert. They have DeMarcus Cousins, who got linked to Cleveland in the past few days, though Shumpert is unlikely enough for the Cavs to acquire arguably the best center in the league today.
