A Royal Pain
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Sacramento Kings trade grade: 3 team deal with Utah and Cleveland

By Tyler Watts

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 9: Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 9, 2016 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 9: Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 9, 2016 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – JANUARY 13: Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 13, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – JANUARY 13: Iman Shumpert #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 13, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Iman Shumpert

Five long months ago, I wrote about the Kings having interest in Iman Shumpert which you can read the full story here.  The article received significant blowback, but it came true on Feb. 8.

Let’s face it Shumpert is the type of player the organization values on the wing.  Shumpert is a player who does the intangibles.  The box score line is never flashy, but he plays a 25-minute role well.  He has had a positive VORP according to Basketball-Reference every season of his career.  Shumpert is a solid defender who does not command the ball or force his offense.  The correlation to current King Garrett Temple is apt one as they are similar players in many ways.

Related Story: Kings steal of the 2018 draft: Michael Porter Jr.

Adding Shumpert was necessary for matching contracts, and he comes with an $11 million player option for next season.  One he is likely to exercise, but the Kings are probably fine with that.  Temple has a player option as well.  If Temple moves on, expect Shumpert to fill his shoes.  Sacramento should have plenty of cap space, so Shumpert’s $11 million will not be a death nail next season.

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