Iman Shumpert Rejects the Opportunity to Re-Sign With Houston Rockets

Iman Shumpert in 2019. Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Despite his struggles in recent seasons, it was quite strange to see Iman Shumpert a free agent this deep in the offseason. As it turns out, the reason for this is that Shumpert really wanted to remain with the Houston Rockets.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Shumpert and Rockets have been engaged in contract negotiations for the past several months, but didn’t manage to make a deal. Shumpert decided to reject the Rockets’ latest offer on Monday and will miss the team’s upcoming minicamp in Las Vegas.

Iman Shumpert landed in Houston before the last season’s trade deadline, with the Rockets hoping he might provide an impact from the bench. However, Shumpert struggled since his arrival, playing only 20 games and starting one. He finished the season averaging 4.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.

It is believed that Rockets’ didn’t want to pay Shumpert much money, as they are close to the luxury tax. The 29-year-old shooting guard, who won an NBA title with Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, will now have to find another landing spot, which might not be so easy considering most teams have their roster filled.

Rockets, on the other side, will turn to other options and are reportedly considering veterans Nick Young, Luc Mbah A Moute, Corey Brewer, Raymond Felton, and Thabo Sefolosha.