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Iman Shumpert trade 'unlikely' for Knicks, according to report

Trading Iman Shumpert is "unlikely" for the Knicks, according to a report. (Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Trading Iman Shumpert is not happening says Knicks coach Mike Woodson.  (Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

A rumored trade that would send New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert to the Phoenix Suns for guard Jared Dudley is "unlikely," ESPN.com's Ian Begley reported on Sunday.

Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Saturday that the Suns were pursuing Shumpert, the second-year defensive stalwart and fan favorite on the Knicks. The Suns' offer hinged around Dudley and future first-round draft picks. But citing a Knicks' source, Begley reported that the proposed deal as it stands is "unlikely at this point."

Begley reported that the Knicks have been exploring the trade market for a "shooter" before the Feb. 21 trade deadline. The 27-year-old Dudley would fit that requirement. He is a career 40.6 percent shooter from 3-point range, including 39.1 percent this season. Dudley is averaging 11.8 points per game in 29.8 minutes.

Still, Begley reported that a "faction" in the Knicks organization does not want to give up the promising young Shumpert, who recently returned after rehab following a torn ACL and meniscus he suffered in last season's playoffs.

For his part, Shumpert brushed aside the rumors when asked about them following the Knicks' 102-88 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

"I don't really care," Shumpert said. "I've just got to play ball. I can't control it anyway. There's nothing to worry about — something I can't control."