The relationship between the Phoenix Suns and Eric Bledsoe has been deteriorating for some time now. Late last month, we heard that the situation could be damaged beyond repair, and the news that the Suns are looking to trade the star PG confirms that things have passed the point of no return.
The news comes from Phoenix-area sportscaster Jude LaCava, who was fairly blunt in an appearance on FoxSports 910 radio Tuesday:
"I'll tell you this, and I think this is the first time it's reported," LaCava said. "I do believe in my NBA sources. You can take this to the bank, so to speak, the Suns are now discussing trade possibilities for Eric Bledsoe."
"That's the new chapter to this and I wouldn't back off of that information. I think it's 100% correct."
"I think it's safe to say 'open for business'," LaCava said. "The decision makers, [Robert] Sarver and [President of Basketball Operations Lon] Babby and hopefully [GM] Ryan McDonough, they are open to that possibility. It's got to be right. It's got to be the right return in what they are looking for.
"It's to the point that if they can accommodate Bledsoe and get something they want in return, trade possibilities are very, very real and they have been discussed."
So, where to for Bledsoe? Here are a few potential destinations:
Detroit: The Pistons are actively looking to shake things up. They have assets they're willing to move (Greg Monroe, Josh Smith), and they're one of the few teams with the cap space to give Bledsoe the max extension he wants. Whether they'd be willing to give him the max is an issue in itself (Stan Van Gundy has never broken the bank on a point guard before), but the Pistons don't have much to lose by making this move.
Indiana: The Pacers are in a tough situation thanks to Paul George's injury. They have no idea which Roy Hibbert is going to show up for the season, and they could jettison Hibbert now for a short-term Bledsoe rental. This would put them in a better position to rebuild after George gets healthy...but it's unclear whether they're willing to bite the bullet and blow things up.
Houston: GM Daryl Morey is the ultimate wild card when it comes to offseason trades. The Rockets need help at point guard with Jeremy Lin gone, and Bledsoe would be a major upgrade...stay tuned.
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