The Phoenix Suns have been trying to sign Eric Bledsoe as a restricted free agent and so far negotiations have not been successful and that is why the team has looked at trades for Bledsoe according to a new report and teams that could be interested include the LA Lakers, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks.
Bledsoe and the Suns have been going back and forth in negotiations and Bledsoe is looking for a five year max deal, while the Suns have offered four years and less money. According to Pro Basketball Talk, local Phoenix sportscaster Jude LaCava said on the radio that the team is discussing trade options with Bledsoe since the two sides have not been able to agree. This also could be a tactic to get Bledsoe down on his price if he doesn't want to be traded, but either way, the Suns appear serious.
The team has been mentioned in trade rumors with Goran Dragic and the Indiana Pacers, but now that could shift with Bledsoe. The team can afford to deal Bledsoe, as they already signed Isaiah Thomas to a deal and they also have Goran Dragic. The team also drafted Tyler Ennis and with Dragic on a team friendly deal, they can get by if they feel the need to trade Bledsoe. The Suns love what Bledsoe and Dragic did in the backcourt last season, but they do not want to get stuck under a massive deal and that is one reason why they signed Thomas. Thomas gives the team some insurance if they trade Dragic or Bledsoe and it's likely the one they don't trade will get that big contract.
Bledsoe had an excellent season last year while averaging 17.7 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds, but he has had injury issues and those could be playing into what the Suns have offered the guard. According to ESPN.com, the 24-year-old has asked for five years and $80 million for his deal, while the Suns have offered a four year deal worth about $50 million, which would be in line with some other players in the league.
The Suns may have some options, as the LA Lakers, NY Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Pacers could be interested in a deal, but that would take some maneuvering for some of those teams. The Lakers have enough money, but they just traded for Jeremy Lin, while the Knicks would have to make major trades to get something done. The Bulls appear set, while the Pacers don't have the cap space, but they do have the motivation with Paul George getting injured and that could play into things.
The Bucks showed some interest this summer and that could be a fit, while the Sixers also have tons of cap space. The report sounds fairly certain that the Suns have talked Bledsoe trades and this comes after he played in just 43 games last season. The qualifying offer is for less than $4 million and he can take that and then leave in free agency next summer if it plays out that way.
