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J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert reveal their true feelings after Knicks trade

By Sapphires Sealey

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) (L-R) J.R. Smith #8, Iman Shumpert #21, Raymond Felton #2 and Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks celebrate on the bench against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on April 14, 2013 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Pacers 90-80. 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 License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) (L-R) J.R. Smith #8, Iman Shumpert #21, Raymond Felton #2 and Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks celebrate on the bench against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on April 14, 2013 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Pacers 90-80. 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 License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks tend to have the worst luck when it comes to building a roster that can make it to the playoffs. But they have had success in continuing their streak of having at least one former Knick reach the NBA Finals.

Although having a former Knick in the Finals is not something that New York fans should care about due to their team not even making the playoffs in 2021-22. But it is still a success for the team, right? Wrong. It is another reminder of just how long the team has been bad.

And now former Knicks J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert further added to the disappointment that New York fans have felt for so long when they talked about the trade that led to them getting their first rings with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert react to being traded from the Knicks

Smith and Shumpert were sent to the Cavaliers in 2015 through a three-team trade that included the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Knicks received Alex Kirk, Lou Amundson, and a 2019 second-round pick from the Cavaliers, along with Lance Thomas from the Thunder.

The trade proved to be successful for Cleveland because that team needed someone who could provide additional scoring off the bench, as well as a player capable of providing elite defense. Both Shumpert and Smith fit that need.

During a one-on-one sit-down on UNINTERRUPTED’s the Sixth Sense, Shumpert and Smith revealed what their reactions were after being told they were being traded to the Cavaliers.

Shumpert revealed that Smith’s initial reaction was the same as his. The two were just dealing with being traded. But once Shumpert and Smith were told they were going to Cleveland, their feelings changed because they knew a ring was in their future.

"“We get traded and I’ll never forget my heart dropped. I’m sick,” said Shumpert but once the two found out where they were going, their mood turned to a much happier one. “We’re going to Cleveland. Like we’re going, you looked at me like dog… I don’t think you see what I see, but we finna go get some jewelry.”"

With the addition of Smith and Shumpert and the outstanding play from Kyrie Irving and LeBron James in the 2016 NBA Finals, the Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors in seven games. The former Knicks duo earned their first NBA title together, as well as Cleveland’s first championship.

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