Contrary to reports, Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James is reportedly going around and looking into the potential availability of players in a trade involving his teammate Kyrie Irving. Earlier, it was reported that James will let the Cavaliers front office handle Irving’s trade and he will not interfere in any way. Pablo Torre of ESPN told "First Take" that James is going around asking about the potential availability of players in a deal for Irving. According to Torre, it was James who convinced Derrick Rose to sign a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Cavaliers recently.
In addition, James also inquired about the availability of Eric Bledsoe and Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns. Torre said James connected with close friend and former Cavs teammate James Jones, who was recently hired by the Suns as vice president of basketball operations. However, LeBron was told that Jackson was not available for any trade.
Earlier, reports surfaced that the Suns were willing to deal Bledsoe and Jackson to the Cavs for Irving. Phoenix was also mentioned in a three-team trade that will bring Irving and center Tyson Chandler to the New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony and Bledsoe to the Cavaliers and Kevin Love and rookie Frank Ntilikina to the Suns.
The Suns see Jackson as a future cornerstone of the team.
He gave fans a glimpse of his ability during the Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals and shot 42.5 percent from the field in five games. However, he needs to fine-tune his jumper and work on his all-around game during training camp so he can fully live up to his billing as a two-way player for the Suns.
Bledsoe has close ties with James
If ever, it will be an easy transition for Bledsoe as he shares the same agent with LeBron. He is also close to the Cavaliers superstar, who even attended his wedding earlier this month. Bledsoe played just 66 games last season because he was shut down by the Suns for the last 16 games. Despite missing the home stretch, Bledsoe still averaged 21.1 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds last season.
Irving still under contract for two years
In a recent press conference, Cavaliers team owner Dan Gilbert and new general manager Koby Altman were both silent about Irving’s trade demand but emphasized that they expect the All-Star point guard to be in training camp in September. The Cavs have no duty to trade Kyrie Irving, as he is under contract with the team for two more years.
