It’s no secret that the New York Knicks shopped Iman Shumpert at last season’s trade deadline, almost pulling off a deal to send the young swing man to Oklahoma City. Having failed to move him then, they are looking to acquire a first round pick in return for him this offseason, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.Among potential suitors are the Miami Heat, who hold the No. 26 pick, according to Grantland’s Zach Lowe.

Hearing: Knicks have explored possibility of swapping Iman Shumpert for late first-round pick heading into Thursday’s draft — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 23, 2014

Re: @ESPNSteinLine report of NYK exploring Shump for 1st-round pick: Watch the Heat, potentially using No. 26 as main bait for Shumpert. — Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 23, 2014

Shump, 23, is a promising perimeter player who would immediately bring some versatility to Miami’s roster that is in flux. In three seasons with the Knicks, he averaged 7.7 points (34.2 percent three-point shooter), 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He was heralded for his on-ball defense during his time in New York.

If the Heat were to acquire Shumpert, they would have to select a player at No. 26 and then trade that player to the Knicks. Miami cannot trade their first-round pick this season, due to league rules (since they traded next season’s pick). In this case, the Heat would likely select the player the Knicks would have drafted in that spot and swap him for Shumpert. The Knicks have a need at point guard, and it would be interesting to see if Miami would take Shabazz Napier (should he be available) or Shumpert if they had the choice.

With Shumpert, it would open the door to allowing Dwyane Wade to come off the bench as a sixth man. Shumpert’s defense and athleticism would be a good fit in Miami’s starting lineup. He can also play small forward, which fits into the Heat’s small-ball lineup with LeBron James at power forward.

For Pat Riley, swapping a rookie for a three-year player who is still young might be the best option for a team in the championship chase.