The New York Knicks are reportedly expected to trade Iman Shumpert unless he proved his worth as a playmaker during training camp and perhaps early in the season, a source close to situation reported on Tuesday.

Shumpert has been on the trading block ever since Phil Jackson arrived as the Knicks' top executive for basketball operations. Many analysts raved about Shumpert's ability to lock down his man on the defensive end of the floor, but Jackson apparently didn't see his playing style fit to the triangle offense philosophy.

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Averaging 6.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season, the 24-year old Shumpert is in the fourth and final year of his rookie contract and could hit the free-agency market if not given a contract extension by October 31 deadline.

However, a reliable league source told ESPN that the Knicks will wait and see how Shumpert fair in the complicated but proven Jackson's Triangle Offense to be implemented by rookie coach Derek Fisher.

This almost guarantees Shumpert to hit the free-agency market next summer, however, the Knicks can still retain his service by matching any offer sheet put on the table by other teams.

"The Knicks, according to sources, continued to explore trade possibilities for Shumpert in the offseason but could not find an offer of equal value for their 2011 first-round pick," according to ESPN reporter Ian Begley.

"The best-case scenario this season -- for both the Knicks and Shumpert -- is that Shumpert thrives in the triangle offense and continues to excel on defense. If that happens, it will be interesting to see his value as a restricted free agent next summer.

The Cleveland Cavaliers previously expressed interest in Shumpert. According to sources, the Cavs are willing to send shooting guard Dion Waiters to the Knickerbockers in exchange for Shumpert, who can be their defensive stopper on the perimeter.

There are also rumors circulating around that Shumpert will be packaged with Amar'e Stoudemire in a cap-relief trade to the Philadelphia 76ers.

TagsIman Shumpert, Knicks rumors, NBA Trade Rumors, NBA news, Sixers rumors, Cavs Rumors