Eric Bledsoe is still without a contract. The point guard certainly has some options in front of him, but it all depends on what the Phoenix Suns decide to do. Bledsoe wants to get paid, plain and simple. The Suns cannot agree on what the dollar amount should be, but are still refusing to move on from the point guard despite having quality depth at the position. Several teams are waiting in the wings if Bledsoe suddenly hits the trade market and the Minnesota Timberwolves are ready to be players.
At this point, Phoenix is still unwilling to trade Bledsoe, convinced the two parties can agree on a new contract. However, the idea of them agreeing is looking less and less likely which will force the Suns to make a trade. They understand Bledsoe's value is high and have no intentions of signing him to a one-year qualifying offer just so he can walk away, giving the Suns nothing in return.
According to ESPN.com, the Timberwolves are trying to push a deal to get Bledsoe before training camp begins. Minnesota no longer has Kevin Love, but instead has a roster of quality, young talent including Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and Thaddeus Young all acquired this summer. ESPN reports that the Timberwolves are looking to negotiate a sign-and-trade with Phoenix while also willing to give Bledsoe a max contract.
Minnesota is offering the point guard a four-year, $63 million contract. However, because of salary cap restrictions, the only way that deal is possible is through a sign-and-trade, something the Suns have yet to show a willingness to finalize. Phoenix is only offering a four-year, $48 million deal to Bledsoe which is why the negotiations have failed to this point. The point guard is only willing to sign a max contract or the one-year qualifying offer worth $3.7 million. The ball is now in the Suns' court.
The question becomes why the Timberwolves are pushing to get Bledsoe when they have Ricky Rubio who also needs a new contract coming up. The point guard is a restricted free agent in 2015 and is expecting a max contract as well. If the Timberwolves are willing to give Beldsoe a max deal, Rubio might become trade bait sooner rather than later. There are certainly teams that will be interested. The Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers have all been linked to point guard trades and Rubio would become the best available.
