The Phoenix Suns could look at an Eric Bledsoe trade if things go south this season, as teams like the NY Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings could be future options for the guard, as the Suns signed Brandon Knight to an extension this summer and that could make Bledsoe expendable depending on how things play out.
The Suns are expecting to contend in the west this season after adding Knight and Tyson Chandler this summer and while Bledsoe is a central part of what Phoenix is building, a trade could be possible down the line. Last season the Suns had Goran Dragic, Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas on the roster and after things did not work out, the team traded Dragic and Thomas to the Heat and Celtics respectively. Bledsoe is not being shopped now, but the Suns reportedly dangled the guard this summer and could look at making a deal down the line.
According to Sean Deveney at the Sporting News, the Suns offered Bledsoe in a deal to the Knicks that involved draft picks ahead of the NBA draft. While that did deal did not end up going down, Deveney reported that sources said the Suns would "continue shopping" Bledsoe during the summer. There has not been any major news about Bledsoe in recent weeks, but he could be a prime candidate to get traded in the future, as his contract is a big one but it will not look as big once the salary cap goes up.
The Suns could end up looking to make a deal if things do not go well this season and with Knight a bit younger than Bledsoe and just signed, Bledsoe is more likely to get moved at that point. Bledsoe is reportedly part of the rebuilding in Phoenix, as the Arizona Republic reports that he is a "face of the franchise player," but many said the same about Dragic and that Phoenix would not trade him coming into last season.
Bledsoe had a very solid season last year while averaging 17 points and 6.1 assists with five rebounds per game and he could net a nice package if the Suns go that route. Head coach Jeff Hornacek said that the trade talk was just smoke from the summer and while the team may try and keep Bledsoe, there are teams out there that could go after him in the future. Teams that plan to target free agents in 2016 could go after Bledsoe if they feel that the main players will not sign and the Knicks could be in that mix along with the Lakers. Both teams went after high priced free agents this summer and struck out on deals.
Knight comes in after signing an extension and he previously was acquired in a trade last season and now is on a five year, $70 million contract. Bledsoe got the same deal last year as a restricted free agent and now the Suns plan on building around both players. That is the plan with Tyson Chandler coming in and things could change if the Suns are not as competitive as they expect to be. Knight comes in with similar numbers to Bledsoe, going for 17 points, four rebounds and five assists per game last season.
Check here for more on Bledsoe and a potential trade for the Suns.