Brooklyn Nets finalizing deal with veteran Iman Shumpert

Iman Shumpert is signing a deal with the Brooklyn Nets after he was waived by them in December of 2019.

The Brooklyn Nets are adding an old friend to the mix — Iman Shumpert. The veteran wing spent some time with Brooklyn last year before being waived by the team in December to create room on the roster for Wilson Chandler. Shams Charania of The Athletic was the first to report the move.

Free agent Iman Shumpert is finalizing a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 30, 2021

When the Nets let go of Shumpert last season, it wasn’t because of poor play. In fact, it was a tough cut by the team and it always felt like the possibility of a reunion was in play. It’s not surprising to see general manager Sean Marks go back to Shumpert as the Nets look to fill out the fringes of the roster.

This will be the first time Shumpert suits up in the NBA since he was waived by Brooklyn. Clearly, the veteran was looking for the right opportunity over just any chance to play. With the Nets firmly entrenched as one of the favorites to win it all this year, they seem like the right opportunity for Shumpert.

The 10-year veteran has career averages of 7.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Obviously, those numbers don’t jump off the page but don’t overlook what Shumpert can bring to the table. He’s a dogged defender with the length to shut down perimeter threats.

Not to mention, he’s bringing championship experience to this club. He was on the Cleveland Cavaliers squad that dethroned the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Shumpert isn’t a superstar by any stretch of the imagination, but he should bring veteran experience to the locker room.