The Phoenix Suns have all the necessary assets to facilitate a deal for Cleveland Cavaliers’ All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, who recently demanded a trade so he can become the No. 1 option of another team, far from LeBron James’ enormous shadow. According to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, a source told him that the Suns could land Irving if they offer point guard Eric Bledsoe, No. 4 overall pick Josh Jackson, and a 2018 first-round pick to the Cavaliers. Based on his source’s claim, Vardon said Irving could be headed to Phoenix by now if the Suns agree to part ways with Bledsoe, Jackson, and the first-round pick.
Adrian Wojnarowski earlier said the Cavaliers are looking for a win-now veteran, a blue-chip young player, and draft picks for Irving. However, the Suns said Jackson will not be available in any trade talks. It was reported that the Suns are willing to part ways with Bledsoe but not Jackson, whom they see as a key piece of their offense next season.
At least 20 teams inquired about Irving but only six, including the Suns, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Los Angeles Clippers, have made offers. Of the six, three – the Spurs, Knicks, and Timberwolves – are included in Irving’s four preferred teams. The fourth team – the Miami Heat – reportedly offered Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow, but the team later denied the report.
Celtics also have the right assets for Irving
According to Zach Lowe of ESPN, the Boston Celtics inquired about the asking price for Irving. Lowe said the Celtics can trade Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, and one of their 2018 top picks for Irving. The Celtics may also include No. 3 pick Jayson Tatum, sophomore Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier, or Marcus Smart.
However, the Celtics are not on the list of Irving’s landing spots.
Teams looking into Irving’s work ethic, habits
According to Wojnarowski, team executives interested in Irving’s services have looked into his character, work habits, and his alleged late-night partying. However, they found no trail of missed practices or hangovers during shootaround.
Teams also found out that Irving is a smart and savvy player and determined to win. Despite playing second fiddle to James, Irving averaged a career-best 25.2 points and 5.8 assists per game last season. In his six years with the Cavaliers, Irving averaged 21.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. He was the Cavs’ first overall pick in 2011.
