NBA Trade Rumors for 2016-17 Season: Iman Shumpert to 76ers, Kyle Anderson to Heat, Kevin Love to Bulls
The NBA rumor mill keeps on going as teams prepare for the upcoming regular season. Analysts and fans have their own say about what pieces some teams lack, and how trades might be able to remedy those problems. As such, trade rumors emerge, and here are some of the latest.
1. Iman Shumpert to Philadelphia 76ers
The Cleveland Cavaliers may trade Iman Shumpert to the Philadelphia 76ers for Nerlens Noel. Shumpert was recently arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Shumpert even admitted that prior to driving, he was smoking pot.
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Normally, NBA penalizes players with a 2-game suspension for this type of violation. But according to Sportsrageous, the Cavs might trade Shumpert away for this incident which may prove distracting to the defending champs.
Shumpert can help fill the shooting guard need of the Philadelphia 76ers. The Cavaliers will also benefit from getting Nerlens Noel, who can provide the team with effective front court defense.
ESPN's trade machine shows a Shumpert - Noel trade is possible if the Cavaliers both get Nerlens Noel and Nik Stauskas.
Nerlens Noel averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game last season, while Shumpert averaged 5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
2. Kyle Anderson to Miami Heat
Tim Duncan retired quietly, and Boban Marjanovic has moved on to play for the Detroit Pistons. With two good centers gone, the Spurs need a front court replacement.
According to iTech Post, rumors say that the San Antonio Spurs is willing to trade Kyle Anderson to the Philadelphia 76ers for Nerlens Noel.
Kyle Anderson, a sophomore who has played two seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, averaged 4.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists last season.
Despite these rumors, there have been reports about Kyle Anderson being given the opportunity to have more minutes and make a greater impact in his third year as a Spur. Gregg Popovich will provide Anderson a more pivotal role as a player coming off the bench, especially since Boris Diaw is no longer in the roster.
3. Kevin Love to Chicago Bulls
The Cavaliers are rumored to be interested in getting Taj Gibson of the Chicago Bulls, sending starting forward Kevin Love. Love averaged 16.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game last season.
The Cavs may be looking to replace Love with someone who could be more effective in the power forward position; one who fits well into the offensive and defensive system that they employ.
Kevin Love may play better alongside Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler with the Bulls, and possibly becoming as productive as he was with the Timberwolves again. With Taj Gibson, the Cavaliers get a much needed boost on the defensive end.
However, Black Sports Online reports that the Cavaliers are not interested in trading Kevin Love. This trade would have made more sense if the team lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. The current lineup is a championship team, so making major changes to the starting 5 is highly unlikely.
