Report: Shumpert to start taking FA meetings after failing to make headway with Cavs
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After shelling out a reported $190 million to lock up Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love, and with LeBron James' free agency still hovering over proceedings, one can understand why the Cleveland Cavaliers might be tightening their fists some.
The Cavs have consequently hit an impasse with restricted free-agent guard Iman Shumpert, who will now start taking meetings with other interested teams, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
Shumpert averaged 7.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 38 games for the Cavs, after coming over in a mid-season trade from the New York Knicks. He bumped those averages up to 9.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in the playoffs, and, more importantly, was the team's most reliable perimeter defender as it marched through the Eastern Conference and to within two games of an NBA title.
The Cavs expressed interest in bringing Shumpert back, extending him a qualifying offer to retain his matching rights, but given their lack of financial flexibility, it's not surprising to hear that they're playing hardball.
Cleveland also has decisions to make regarding free-agent guards Matthew Dellavedova and J.R. Smith.