ESPN insider: Suns have assets to offer but maintain slim chance of landing LeBron James
Jul 8, 2014, 11:24 PM | Updated: 11:25 pm
The Phoenix Suns are making a run at LeBron James, but according to ESPN insider and NBA analyst Amin Elhassan, they have never had a genuine chance to acquire him.
“If you’re the Suns, the plan from the beginning should have been flexibility and get better at the same time,” Elhassan told Bickley and Marotta Tuesday afternoon on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “Chasing after LeBron, while it’s nice and makes great headlines, I don’t think it’s realistic.”
Although the Suns may not be a legitimate contender for the superstar’s services, Elhassan mentioned that Phoenix has a distinct advantage in two areas: a relationship with James’ agent and the potential to help the four-time MVP remain healthy.
“Eric Bledsoe is represented by Rich Paul, Rich Paul is also the agent for LeBron James so this gives them an opportunity to have a direct line to the guy who is taking all the auditions since LeBron isn’t meeting with anybody,” Elhassan said.
He also added that James isn’t getting any younger, and if the Suns make a pitch about their exceptional training staff, it could turn his eyes to Phoenix as a possible landing spot.
But even with those two assets, Elhassan believes the Suns will fall short in convincing James to come to Phoenix.
“They have a very interesting in,” Elhassan said. “I don’t think it’s enough, but it is something that separates you from the pack.”
