Eric Bledsoe: "Suns using restricted free agency against me"

The Phoenix Suns and dynamic young point guard Eric Bledsoe are still extremely far apart when it comes to contract negotations. The 24-year-old restricted free agent and the Suns had about one year and $32 million in distance between them at last report, with neither side budging for the time being.

In his first public comment on the matter, Eric Bledsoe spoke briefly with NBC affiliate WVTM-TV (via ArizonaSports.com) about the state of talks and his thoughts on the Suns' current stance in negotiations:

"I'm letting my agent Rich Paul handle it. I can understand the Phoenix Suns are using restricted free agency against me. But I understand that." 

Bledsoe is referring to the fact that the Suns have the power to match any offer sheet given to him, potentially scaring off other teams unwilling to invest the effort in a player they might not be able to land.

Also, if no other team offers Bledsoe the five-year, $80 million max contract he is seeking, the Suns will have additional leverage in future talks as they look to re-sign him at a discounted rate.

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the two sides have been at an impasse since July 17th when the Suns offered Bledsoe a four-year, $48 million deal - a deal that stands as 60% of the total value that the young guard is seeking.

In 43 games with the Suns last season, Bledsoe averaged career highs in points (17.7), assists (5.5), and rebounds (4.7) per game.

For all the latest on Eric Bledsoe's free agency, stay tuned to Chat Sports and our Phoenix Suns team page.