It is well-known by now that the Cleveland Cavaliers are entertaining offers for their superstar Kyrie Irving. According to ESPN, the Cavaliers have listened to 20 offers so far. However, it seems like the Cavaliers' asking price is too high for these teams. Irving might be discontent and awaiting a trade, but he still has at least two more years in his contract and the Cavaliers are not willing to part ways with such a unique player if it is not for the right price.
The Phoenix Suns are willing to part ways with Eric Bledsoe and a first-round pick, but the Cavaliers, apparently, also want rookie Josh Jackson.
Josh Jackson could bring Irving to Phoenix
The Suns are one team that has aggressively pursued Irving and has assets that could content the Cavaliers. The Suns drafted forward Josh Jackson with the number four overall pick in this year's draft, but he may be the key in a potential Irving-deal between the Suns and Cavaliers. According to Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon, the Cavaliers would accept the Suns' offer if Jackson were to be included. "If that deal (Bledsoe, Miami first rounder and Jackson) for Irving was there, it'd be done by now," a league source close to the Cavs told cleveland.com.
For now, the Suns are reluctant to include Jackson in the trade talks. The 20-year-old is thought to be one of the best two-way players of the future.
It is his defensive tenacity and competitiveness that stand out most right now. Vardon's report also states that the Suns have told their up and coming star Devin Booker that he would not be traded.
Eric Bledsoe, 27, is a solid combo guard that can play on and off the ball. Bledsoe is coming off his best statistical season yet with averages of 21.1 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Bledsoe would be a decent replacement at the Cavaliers' point guard position.
The Suns will have to compete with the Miami Heat's offer that includes Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow. The Cavaliers are in no rush to make a deal, and will wait for better offers to emerge. One of these offers could ultimately include Josh Jackson.
Apparently, even LeBron James would not mind waiting a bit longer in order to acquire Jackson.
James wants Jackson
Pablo Torre of ESPN recently said, "LeBron James is doing some LeBron James offseason work. And my understanding is it’s not just Derrick Rose, it’s not just Eric Bledsoe. LeBron James happens to know a guy named James Jones . . . LeBron James is hustling behind the scenes, is my understanding, asking ‘Is Josh Jackson available for Kyrie Irving?' " So far, the answer he is getting from his friend Jones, the Suns' vice-president of basketball operations, is that Jackson is not available. Once the start of the season looms, the Cavaliers will have a better idea about what players are truly available.
