The Eric Bledsoe free agency saga is officially over. The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a new long-term contract with their point guard to the tune of five years and $70 million according to ESPN. The deal is the result of months of negotiations and rumors that Bledsoe was prepared to head elsewhere if things did not work out. So with Bledsoe officially staying put in Phoenix, what happens with those Minnesota Timberwolves trade negotiations?
The Timberwolves were one of the teams looking to make a run at Bledsoe should his talks with the Suns fall through. According to several NBA sources, Minnesota was seeking a sign-and-trade for the point guard before the season began. That was a bit of a head scratching move considering the Timberwolves have Ricky Rubio, or do they?
ESPN reports that Minnesota was prepared to give Bledsoe a four-year, $60 million contract in hopes that was too high for Phoenix to match. However, the Suns felt the pressure and got Bledsoe under contract instead. Now, Phoenix has the deepest backcourt in the league with Goran Dragic, Isaiah Thomas, Archie Goodwin and Tyler Ennis all occupying a spot on the roster. The Timberwolves are left empty handed once again.
Bledsoe's contract certainly helps Rubio's future in Minnesota. The point guard will be a restricted free agent next summer and wants a max contract from the Timberwolves considering he is now the franchise star following the departure of Kevin Love. The Timberwolves have been hesitant to say they are willing to meet Rubio's demands favoring a deal worth four years and $44 million, similar to what Stephen Curry signed with the Golden State Warriors. Contract talks have stalled up until this point which signifies that Minnesota might be looking to move on from Rubio.
Next year's free agent market will be rich at the position. Rajon Rondo will be available for the taking. Dragic will be available. Kemba Walker could be a big get for the team. There are certainly options if the Timberwolves do not want to give Rubio the money he is demanding.
There is really no reason not to give Rubio his money unless the team thinks they stand a chance at getting Rondo. Rubio has proven to be a strong point guard in the league with improved passing and defensive skills. He is the perfect veteran to lead a young roster of Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and Thaddeus Young. The two sides must now simply agree on a number.
