Report: Timberwolves called Cavs about Shumpert

The Minnesota Timberwolves are apparently on the prowl for a 3-and-D wing, and they have their eye on a recently crowned champion.

Minnesota contacted the Cleveland Cavaliers about the availability of swingman Iman Shumpert and was given the impression that the Cavaliers were prepared to talk, league sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe.

Lowe adds that Cleveland wouldn't give Shumpert away for nothing, but given its swollen cap sheet, shedding the superfluous Shumpert for a cheaper option would lead to significant tax relief.

Shumpert had a down year during his second season with the Cavaliers. He averaged career lows in points (5.8), field-goal percentage (37.4), and 3-point percentage (29.5), and looked poor on both ends during the NBA Finals.

However, the 26-year-old has proven in the past that he can provide steady 3-and-D type skills while offering some capable secondary ball-handling. He's also signed to a relatively cheap contract that would pay him roughly $30 million over the next three seasons.

Were the Cavaliers to move Shumpert, they would presumably look to address their weakness at backup point guard - and the Timberwolves might be open to eventually moving passing maestro Ricky Rubio after drafting stud point guard Kris Dunn this summer.