Suns’ Josh Jackson: Trade to Cleveland ‘would’ve happened by now’
Aug 14, 2017, 8:02 AM | Updated: 11:26 am
Phoenix Suns' Josh Jackson grabs a rebound next to Sacramento Kings' Jack Cooley during the first half of an NBA summer league basketball game, Friday, July 7, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
(AP Photo/John Locher)
Pretty much since the time the Phoenix Suns made Kansas forward Josh Jackson the fourth overall pick in June’s NBA Draft, trade speculation has been attached to the rookie.
The Suns have been connected to trade rumors involving disgruntled Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, and Jackson’s availability — at least to this point — has been a much-discussed proposition.
Our own John Gambadoro reported last month that Suns brass informed Jackson he wouldn’t be involved in any Irving trade, yet the rumors persist.
Jackson did an interview with Justin Termine and Noah Coslov of Sirius XM NBA Radio at the league’s rookie photo shoot and addressed the rumors.
“I think if that was going to happen, it would’ve happened by now,” Jackson said, before adding he was fully aware of his name being bandied about.
“I checked with my agent, but really didn’t check social media, because people are going to say whatever,” he said. “I handled it the same way I tried to handle draft night. Coming in, I didn’t really know what was going to happen — I still don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m going to make the best of any situation I’m presented. If I’m traded to China, whatever, I’m going to come out and I’m going to be happy and try to make the best of it.”
Jackson did refute the report that the Suns informed his camp that he wouldn’t be dealt.
“Those words were never said,” he stated.
