Eric Bledsoe and the Phoenix Suns might be making up. According to reports, the disgruntled point guard and the Suns are re-engaging in contract talks, and the team could be willing to increase their offer.
Earlier this offseason the Suns offered Bledsoe, a restricted free agent, a four-year contract worth $48 million. Despite missing a chunk of time, Bledsoe's numbers jumped up with a playing time increase and he demanded a max deal of five years and more than $80 million.
Talks broke down amid that impasse, and Bledsoe has struggled to find any takers for him on a max deal. The Minnesota Timberwolves recently expressed interest in paying him the max, but required the Suns' assistance via sign-and-trade. The Wolves traded All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this offseason, and Phoenix reportedly wanted All-Star talent in return for Bledsoe.
With no outside interest, Bledsoe's only option appeared to be signing a one-year qualifying offer worth $3.7 million and testing unrestricted free agency next summer. Now, though, sources have told ESPN that it's possible a long-term deal could be reached before Suns training camp kicks off on September 30.
Last season Bledsoe averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 47 percent from the field, all career highs. Injuries remain a concern for him though. Bledsoe's never played a full season as a starting point guard, and he managed to play in just 43 games during the 2013-14 season.
Bledsoe is part of a crowded Suns backcourt that includes Goran Dragic, Isaiah Thomas and Syracuse rookie Tyler Ennis.
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