Kyrie Irving doesn’t want to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the team should have no problem shopping the talented young star, the fact that other teams know he wants out likely doesn’t increase his value. However, there are a number of teams that have already reportedly stepped up with firm offers, including most notably the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix has reportedly offered Eric Bledsoe, Dragan Bender and a first round pick in exchange for Irving and that might be the best deal on the table. Here is a look at five reasons why the Cavaliers should accept the Suns offer for Irving.
Bledsoe Is A Strong Fit
While he isn’t as talented as Irving, Bledsoe would be a quality fit in Cleveland as he heads in to the prime of his career. The 27-year-old is coming off the best season of his career after he averaged 21.1 points, 6.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 43-percent from the floor in 2016-17. The veteran point guard could post even better numbers with more support in the right situation.
The other thing to keep in mind here is that Bledsoe and James are good friends, and share the same agent. James and Bledsoe often work out together in the offseason, as they are again this year. That indicates that there is a close relationship and a much stronger bond than the one that LBJ had with Kyrie. That could be crucial. The Cavaliers might be the perfect fit for Bledsoe in the prime of his career.
Cleveland Will Not Acquire “Untouchables”
The Suns have reportedly made it clear that they aren’t willing to trade Josh Jackson for Irving. Devin Booker is also reportedly considered an “untouchable”. The fact that teams know Irving wants out means they can make quality offers without putting their franchise players on the table and that is certainly the case with the Phoenix offer. The Cavaliers will not be able to acquire a potential franchise player like Jackson or Booker. The key now is to get as many assets as possible if they do want to move Irving this offseason.
First Round Pick Potential
While Cleveland might not be able to acquire a young franchise player from the Suns, they would get the Miami Heat’s first round pick for 2018. Miami isn’t exactly loaded on paper, so there is a good chance that pick could put the Cavaliers in position to draft a star. Cleveland needs to acquire as many quality assets as possible in a potential Irving trade and the Heat’s first round pick definitely falls in to that category. Another future pick would come in handy in case James does in fact leave next season – if the rumors of a marriage between him and the Los Angeles Lakers are true.
Bender Is An Asset
The fourth-overall pick from the 2016 NBA Draft has the potential to grow in to a star in the right situation. Bender played in only 43 games as a rookie but he clearly has the skill set to be a playmaker at the power forward position where he could also turn out to be an elite shooter in time. Bender could be the perfect fit for Cleveland. If they want more experience, they could easily shop him around for a veteran player.
Clock Is Ticking
There are many that have pointed out the fact that Irving is under contract for next season as one reason why they wouldn’t have to trade him this summer. However, the fact that Irving wants out could create major issues, especially if the relationship between him and LeBron has already been severed. Cleveland needs to enter damage control mode and figure out the correct course to protect the future of the franchise. There is no guarantee that LeBron will be back after next season and that should provide even more urgency to move Irving. The Cavaliers would receive a solid package from the Suns. Management in Cleveland should definitely consider accepting the offer from Phoenix while it is still on the table.
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