When the Houston Rockets hold their unofficial team minicamp this week in Las Vegas, they apparently will do so without defensive-minded forward Iman Shumpert.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Shumpert has decided to decline the Rockets’ contract offer and will not be joining the team. This news comes more than a month after both parties re-established communication on the possibility of a new deal or a sign-and-trade.
According to Ben Stinar of Amico Hoops, the Rockets “reneged on their initial promise” to Shumpert, who is walking away from Houston entirely to look at other options. Stinar did not specify what that initial promise allegedly was.
In an attempt to improve their second unit, Shumpert came to the Rockets in February 2019 following a trade deadline deal with the Sacramento Kings. He never had a significant opportunity to make an impact in Houston, as he appeared in 20 games averaging 4.6 points on 34.7 percent shooting from the field in just 19.1 minutes per game.
Although his short stint in Houston did not work out, Shumpert can still play a valuable role on several NBA teams. Prior to his time with the Rockets, Shumpert was a trusted veteran leader with the Kings, where he averaged 8.9 points in 26.2 minutes per game. Shumpert shot 36.6% on three-pointers with the Kings, but that dropped off to 29.6% with the Rockets.
At 29 years old, Shumpert is entering his eighth season in the league. Along with receiving All-Rookie First Team honors in 2012, Shumpert played a key role in helping the Cleveland Cavaliers capture the NBA title in 2016.
