The Houston Rockets covet Cleveland Cavaliers swingman Iman Shumpert and have engaged in talks with the Cavaliers about acquiring Shumpert before Thursday's trade deadline, according to league sources.
But the Cavaliers, sources say, would want Rockets guard Patrick Beverley as the primary return in a Shumpert trade. And Houston, sources said Wednesday, is resistant to parting with Beverley, who ranks as its top on-the-ball defender on the perimeter.
Sources say New York and Chicago have also expressed interest in Beverley, whose desire is to remain in Houston.