The Phoenix Suns were making it a priority to retain Eric Bledsoe for the long-term. The point guard was a big reason the Suns were such a competitive club during parts of the 2013-14 season and they need to keep him around if they intend on staying on that path. Currently a free agent, Bledsoe understands his value in the league and that is causing negotiations with the Suns to stop and stall.
According to ESPN.com, the Suns are unwilling to meet the contract demands of Bledsoe causing interest to spur from other teams. Phoenix has offered the point guard a four-year, $48 million contract. Bledsoe wants a max deal worth five years and $80 million. In 2013, Bledsoe averaged 17.7 points and 5.5 assists so he is certainly worth the money, but Phoenix is saving up their salary cap space and have no intentions of spending it all on one player.
It has been assumed that Phoenix would match any offer that came for Bledsoe, but if the two sides are unable to agree to terms, the Suns might seek a trade instead. The team already completed a sign-and-trade deal for Isaiah Thomas while also drafting Syracuse star Tyler Ennis. Bledsoe can be replaced if he has no intentions of sticking around. The Suns have created depth should they be forced to move on. So where do Bledsoe go?
ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting that the Houston Rockets could emerge as the favored suitor for the point guard. The team is looking to make one more big splash in free agency to finalize their roster and the point guard position is their biggest need. The team has Patrick Beverley who saw starting time last season, but they traded Jeremy Lin to the Los Angeles Lakers and need depth.
Right now, the Rockets are hoping to pull off a trade for Rajon Rondo this offseason, but the deal is a big long shot. The Boston Celtics are still under the impression that they are keeping Rondo for the long term so any deal would have to be big to convince them to send the point guard on his way. Houston lacks the assets to get a trade completed after Lin and Omer Asik were traded. Bledsoe would be a strong fit and easier to acquire.
The Miami Heat are also looking the way of Bledsoe. The point guard was seen dining with Miami team officials leading many to believe he was their next target. However, the Heat cannot meet the contract demands of Bledsoe which could severely complicate things.
