A New Twist in the Kyrie/Phoenix Saga

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 19: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 19, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 19: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 19, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Since Kyrie Irving announced his desire for a trade away from the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Phoenix Suns have consistently been among the teams rumored to make the move to acquire him.

CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 19: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 19, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 19: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 19, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Even though the Suns were not on his reported four-team preferred list, no team has been mentioned more a potential trade partner to acquire the young, superstar, point guard. It is also understood that if the Suns wanted  him right now, they could have  him as the Cavs would accept a deal that centered around a core of Eric Bledsoe and Josh Jackson.

At the same time, the New York Knicks are dealing with an unhappy camper of their own. As such, it has seemed natural that the Knicks and Cavs would exchange their distressed assets since LeBron and Carmelo are long-time friends and Kyrie listed the Knicks as one of his ideal landing spots (even though his preference is irrelevant since he lacks a no-trade-clause).

Things get hairy in that trade scenario since both teams have very little cap flexibility, and if Kyrie did go to NY, the Knicks don’t have a suitable replacement PG for Cleveland. The Suns could potentially solve this problem by adding Eric Bledsoe to the mix (LBJ and Eric are long-time friends and are represented by the same agent). The Cavs could then have a replacement starting point guard ready to go which would allow them to continue their Championship run right where they left off.