5. Iman Shumpert, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers
Iman Shumpert enters the 2015 offseason as a restricted free agent. What does this mean? It means the Cavaliers have the right to match any contract offered Shumpert’s way. Considering he’s just 24 years of age and a valuable role player in this league capable of scoring and being a team’s top defender, Cleveland would likely make every effort to retain Shumpert.
The Heat don’t have depth behind Wade. Chalmers remains a valuable asset off the bench in a scoring role, but there aren’t any swingmen on the Heat’s current roster that can play lockdown defense.
It’s an asset that you need to have if you want to be a championship contender in this league. You need a guy capable of matching up with the LeBron’s and Kevin Durant’s of this world.
This is one of the reasons the Heat have struggled this season. At this point of their careers, Wade and Deng are not going to lock down anyone. They can slow down dominant perimeter players, but that’s about the best you can hope for.
Shumpert is a young swingman who has yet to enter the prime of his career. Give him a key spot in the rotation in Miami and he can be a valuable role player on a championship-caliber team.
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