Last week, Phil Jackson said no player on the New York Knicks roster was exempt from being traded. That includes Iman Shumpert.
Back in February, the Knicks were close to sending Shumpert to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 29th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. According to the New York Post, the two teams could be revisiting that deal.
The Thunder are looking at trading at least one of their late first-round picks, and Knicks president Phil Jackson said he’s looking to obtain a pick for either round of the NBA Draft. The Post reported at February’s trade deadline Oklahoma City made an offer for Iman Shumpert, but the Knicks passed. ESPN.com reported the Thunder offered their 29th pick.
New York is on the hunt for draft picks, and reportedly engaged in such talks with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Oklahoma City holds the 21st and 29th pick in the upcoming draft, and each come with a two-year guaranteed rate. For teams looking to strategically maneuver their cap space for the summer of 2015, it’s beneficial to land the 29th pick, which would earn $959,999 in 2015-16.
Shumpert, on the other hand, is set to earn $2.6 million this coming season with a $3.7 million qualifying offer for 2015-16 season.
One player the Knicks may be eyeing with that 29th pick: P.J. Hairston of North Carolina.
The 6-foot-5 shooting guard was dismissed from school and played in the D-League last season, and is expected to fall between picks No. 21-29. He worked out for the Knicks this past week.
Plus, Hairston may be a better fit in New York than Shumpert.
According to the report, Jackson is believed to like Shumpert’s skill-set as a defensive player, but he may not be a fit in the triangle offense.
Jackson is said to like Shumpert’s defensive prowess and height, but his offensive basketball IQ isn’t sky-high, and Shumpert is not a very good passer — two attributes needed in Jackson’s triangle offense.
