Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns should assure Josh Jackson he will not be traded

By Branden Wyss

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. 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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. 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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The Phoenix Suns have been the subject of many rumors centered around Kyrie Irving. A majority of them linking to prized 4th overall pick, Josh Jackson.

However, it appears the Suns know what they have talent in the young man and are committed to him as a part of our future. So why doesn’t Josh Jackson know that for sure?

A common trend in basketball nowadays is players referring to the NBA as a business above all else, which, if we’re honest with ourselves, isn’t wrong. It actually hurts to say that, though. The sport where we see relationships develop between fans and players, become some of our best nights watching our teams fight throughout a season and the emotions that come with it all. These are all things we wouldn’t associate with a ‘job,’ but that’s exactly what being a professional basketball player is.

And like with any line of work, your employees are sometimes, well, expendable.

There have been plenty of players though that have felt safe in their position as an NBA player by being shown that loyalty is a big part of a franchise’s business agenda. Look at how the Dallas Mavericks treat Dirk Nowitzki or how the San Antonio Spurs have treated Manu Ginobli or Tim Duncan.

They were treated with loyalty just the same as any other business owner would reward any hard working employee who does his job well day in and day out.

Unfortunately this is not necessarily the case for the vast majority of players as the NBA (and all professional sports) can be a lot more cold-hearted. Players have been blindsided by various trade rumors and potential free agent signings and aren’t shown the loyalty they they may have been sold on when first acquired.

For the Phoenix Suns, the business of the NBA has impacted Josh Jackson already, and he hasn’t even worn his new uniform otside of a few photo shoots for promotional purposes. On Sirius XM NBA Radio (first reported by Jack Maloney of CBS Sports), Josh Jackson was asked about his name being rumored in Kyrie Irving trades.

"“I think if that was going to happen (the trade), it would have happened by now,”“If I’m traded to China, whatever, I’m going to come out and be happy and just try to make the best of it. I was kind of in the dark a little bit, but I got a feeling that the trade really wasn’t going to happen.”"

This type of comment seems a little very unfortunate coming from a 20-year-old potential cornerstone for a franchise.

Young players who have the potential to be an All-Stars shouldn’t be considered for trades when on a rebuilding roster. The Phoenix Suns have the potential to have a potent young core for years to come and trading a major piece of that for Kyrie Irving carries with it a significant risk of hindering overall development.

Now, I know that most players should never be considered untouchable if the right player comes along. If Cleveland came knocking asking for Josh Jackson in a LeBron James trade (which wouldn’t happen), you take it. But not for a player of Kyrie Irving’s stature, a phenomenal player no doubt, but arguably not even a top-five player at his position. (I say arguably because it depends on who you ask. Kyrie is a phenomenal scorer and has plenty of intangibles that make him a useful player. However, he is absolutely awful at defense and his play making skills are horrendous for a point guard with his talent. His selfish playing has only hurt his own trade value.)

Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com had first reported that the Suns had ensured Booker that he would not be a part of any Kyrie Irving trade, and rightfully so, as he is the face of the franchise.

Josh Jackson too should be told he is untouchable and given the same vote of confidence that Booker has received.

In the Summer League Josh Jackson averaged 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks. If he averages anything close to that over the course of an NBA season, he will be considered a top level prospect who will only get better.

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This is where the subject of loyalty comes into play. The young man has not even played his first NBA game for a franchise that supposedly was very high on him, and yet he is already the subject of trade rumors. This is probably hard on a young player’s trust in how he is truly regarded.

A player is more likely to be loyal to a franchise if they are shown two things: a commitment to winning, and the support from the fans/franchise.

Even though he has not played an NBA game, Josh Jackson should be shown the same love and support that a player like Lonzo Ball has been receiving (even if not in typical LA fashion though).

If not, he might develop into the star we all hope he will be, but will not show Phoenix any love in return when he becomes a free agent.

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