Kyrie Irving Trade Rumors: Josh Jackson Won't Be Included in Talks with Suns

If the Phoenix Suns make a push to trade for Kyrie Irving, No. 4 overall pick Josh Jackson reportedly won't be included in packages they submit to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

According to Arizona Sports 98.7's John Gambadoro, the Suns "will NOT" part with Jackson in an attempt to acquire Irving. ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne added that the Suns have "reassured" Jackson he won't be dealt.

In other words, the Suns don't want to sacrifice team control of Jackson for his first two contracts in order to have Irving in the fold during years they aren't expected to contend for a playoff spot in the crowded Western Conference.

Instead, Phoenix is committing to developing one of its key building blocks for the long haul as it seeks to steadily and organically develop into one of the league's more promising teams.

And based on the way Jackson performed at the Las Vegas Summer League, the team's future is looking increasingly bright. Over the course of his five-game stay in Sin City, Jackson averaged 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 42.5 percent shooting from the field.

Now looking ahead to his rookie season, Jackson should be afforded every opportunity to play through growing pains alongside Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker, Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender as he attempts to refine his jumper and morph into the two-way force he proved he could be during his lone season at Kansas.