Phoenix Suns rookie Josh Jackson opened up about his name being mentioned in trade rumors involving point guard Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers. During an interview on Sirius XM NBA Radio, Jackson said he was not really checking social media so he was kind of in the dark about the rumored trade. However, he got a feeling that the trade wasn’t going to happen. “I think if that was going to happen, it would’ve happened by now,” explained Jackson, the No. 4 overall pick by the Suns in the 2017 Draft.
Jackson said he preferred talking to his agent and not get his news from social media, just like what he did on Draft Night, where he was reported to be headed to the Boston at No.
3 but the Celtics instead chose Jayson Tatum. “Coming in, I didn’t know what was going to happen, I still don’t know what is going to happen,” said Jackson, adding that he will make the most out of the situation he’s presented if he gets traded.
Irving surprised everyone with trade demand
Last month, Irving surprised almost everyone when he demanded a trade from the Cavaliers as he wants to become the No. 1 option on a team, away from LeBron James. During his meeting with Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, he mentioned four teams – the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Miami Heat – as his preferred trade destinations. The Cavaliers, for their part, said they wanted a win-now veteran, a blue-chip young player and a high draft pick for Irving.
Suns joined chase for Irving
Despite not being on Irving’s list, the Suns joined the chase for Irving, initially offering Eric Bledsoe, T.J. Warren and Brandon Knight. According to Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers are interested in including Jackson or shooting guard Devin Booker in any trade talk for Irving. The Suns, however, said they will not use either Jackson or Booker in any trade as they plan to build around them in the near future.
Just 20-years-old and five years younger than Irving, Booker displayed his scoring ability last season, averaging 22.1 points-per-game in 78 outings, including a 70-point performance.
Recently, the Suns made a solid offer for Irving, dangling Bledsoe, Dragan Bender and a 2018 first-round pick but the Cavaliers were interested in a trade involving Jackson or Booker.
The 27-year-old Bledsoe is seen as an ideal partner for James as they share the same agent and are close off the court. Last season, Bledsoe averaged 21.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 66 games. He was shut down by the Suns in the last 16 games of the season, much to his dismay.
