The Cleveland Cavaliers want an elite young player back in any trade of Kyrie Irving.
The Phoenix Suns have come up as a trade partner, because of Eric Bledsoe’s salary, fit with Cleveland if Irving is gone, and the fact he and LeBron James share an agent.
And those suns have an elite young player — Josh Jackson. Taken fourth in the last draft, Jackson showed fantastic athleticism at Summer League, disruptive defense, the ability to make plays around the rim, and while his jumper needs some work there is genuine promise.
Which is why the Suns are not going to include Jackson in any Irving trade.
The Phoenix Suns will NOT include Josh Jackson in any trade for Kyrie Irving.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 25, 2017
Suns have reassured Jackson of this too https://t.co/vrl5I5Tvpt
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 25, 2017
If the Suns are involved in an Irving trade, it’s likely as part of a three-team deal. Bledsoe would still go out, and Phoenix might be willing to throw in young players such as Marquese Chriss or Dragan Bender, depending on what they got back.
That is the key — the return. Phoenix is rebuilding, Bledsoe is their best trade chip, and if he is going out the door, they are going to want real quality back in return. They are not in this to be a salary dump location, the Suns are going to want young players who can make a difference and picks. Most of the trade scenarios floating around in public forums use Phoenix as the dumping ground in the three- or four-team deals, just know that is not going to happen. The Suns want value for their best trade asset.
