The NBA free agency period starts this summer and teams like the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls could be active in 2014 and players like Avery Bradley or Eric Bledsoe could be on the move and Bradley is a name to keep an eye on, as the Boston Celtics may let him leave as a free agent after previously offering him an extension and option to not trade Rajon Rondo last season.
Bradley has established himself as a solid option in the NBA after stepping in for Rondo while he was injured and now the Celtics may let him go, as he could command a nice contract offer on the market. According to ESPN.com, the Celtics previously offered Bradley a four-year, $24 million extension and with that being rejected, it's unlikely they will give him another substantial offer, especially if they get outbid by someone on the free agent market. The guard has shown that he can be legitimate option and his defense is above average as well and that could lead to a team like the Bulls or Heat signing him.
Bradley and Bledsoe will be prime options on the market past the huge names like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony and for the teams that miss on those guys, they could be consolation options. This past season Bradley played in 60 games and averaged 14.9 points and less than two assists and while those are not eye popping stats, he also averaged over a steal per game and was efficient from the floor shooting the ball.
Bledsoe played in just 43 games, but he had solid stats averaging 17 points and five assists along with four rebounds and after having a successful season, the Suns are hoping to retain him. The Suns said earlier in the season that they plan on matching any offers for Bledsoe, but he could be in high demand following his trade from the Clippers and that could put the Suns in a tough spot. Bledsoe and the Suns did not sign an extension during the season and now there is a chance he could move along in free agency.
Before getting injured, Bledsoe was averaging 18.0 points, 5.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds and now he will be a restricted free agent and it will be interesting to see who signs him. The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls may need to reload on some talent depending on the way the offseason goes and names like Bradley and Bledsoe are hovering under the radar compared to some bigger names.
Bledsoe played well alongside most improved player Goran Dragic and the Suns nearly made the playoffs with a 48-34 record and they exceeded expectations this past season. The team was ranked in the top 10 on offense and they likely will try and match any offers for Bledsoe, obviously within the realm of being realistic. The Celtics and Bradley are a case to watch as well, as the team may end up trading Rondo and that would make Bradley a piece they want to keep, but if they can ink Rondo to an extension long term, it likely means Bradley will end up elsewhere next season.
