With news today that Kyrie Irving has put in a trade request with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the rumor mill and armchair general manager talk will start immediately.
Although reports stated that Irving preferred the San Antonio Spurs, teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves were mentioned as well.
But one team could actually offer a healthy deal to the Cavs, one that would also excite LeBron James and perhaps entice Irving to commit the team long term.
That team is the Phoenix Suns, and they have assets to spare.
The Suns have a young team that may be a year or 2 away from competing in the ultra competitive Western Conference, but adding a piece like Irving to pair with the likes of Devon Booker, Marquese Chriss and Josh Jackson could be lethal.
The Suns also offer the Cavs an opportunity to get a healthy haul of talent in return, starting with James’ close friend and guard Eric Bledsoe.
The Suns also have some draft picks to throw in along with the likes of Tyson Chandler and Brandon Knight to sweeten the pot of any offer.
Irving reportedly wants to find a situation where he can be the focal point. A team like Phoenix, in need of veteran leadership could be that fit.
Along with the young talent that the Suns can boast, Irving’s addition could help catapult them in time, to the ranks of the Western Conference elite.
The Suns current roster could be appealing enough to help retain Irving once his current deal expires.
The Cavs could actually land a sweet package in return for Irving by focusing their efforts on talks with the Phoenix Suns.
Nothing has been reported or rumored as of yet, but the Suns seem like a logical destination for all parties involved.
We’ll have to pay attention to the rumor mills, NBA oddsmakers and an offshore sportsbook to see what the odds are for Irving relative to any team, including the Suns.