Phoenix Suns point guard Eric Bledsoe and the team remain at a standstill regarding Bledsoe's contract situation-he's been offered a four-year, $48 million contract while Bledsoe and his agent are staunchly standing by their demand for a max contract.
It has been reported previously that the Suns, who count fellow point guards Goran Dragic , Isaiah Thomas and rookie Tyler Ennis as members of the roster, are actively shopping him because of these demands.
Bledsoe, 24, is believed to be one of the most talented young players the NBA has to offer, and he blossomed with the opportunity last season to play big minutes. Bledsoe averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 33 minutes per game, a 13-minute increase from the previous year.
These are the teams that have the most need for Bledsoe and what the Suns would need back to part with their potential star.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers acquired Jeremy Lin this offseason as insurance for veteran Steve Nash's failing body, but while Lin is a serviceable offensive player, he has the same defensive liabilities as Nash. After losing center Pau Gasol via free agency, this is a team beret of defensive talent, which Bledose could provide along the perimeter.
Phoenix has some young talent in the frontcourt, but the ceilings of Miles Plumlee and Marcus and Markieff Morris are relatively low. A package featuring Lakers rookie Julius Randle has been discussed, and could add a potent post option that makes the Suns lethal inside and out.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets have Patrick Beverley running the show for now, and while he's a competent player he has nothing like Bledsoe's upside. The Rockets have been reported to be interested in adding Rajon Rondo, and Bledsoe is younger with more offensive potential.
The issue is what the Rockets can offer in return. Houston remains stacked with young, useful role players but so does Phoenix. They will be looking for established talent in return for Bledsoe, or another young player with equal upside It's unlikely James Harden or Dwight Howard are on the table, so Houston may be out of luck.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks haven't been mentioned at all as a possible destination, but Brandon Knight isn't an upper-tier NBA point guard, and there are intriguing assets in place to deal. G/F Giannis Antetokounmpo is a freakish athlete, Ersan Ilyasova and John Henson are quality, young forwards with differing but tantalizing skill sets. A team built around Bledsoe, rookie Jabari Parker, and Ilyasova or Henson could wreak havoc down the road.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings signed Darren Collison this offseason to run the show, but is he the answer? Bledsoe is a franchise-caliber talent, and the Kings have the young players to move to get him, beginning with shooting guard Ben McLemore.
The only untouchable on this roster would be center DeMarcus Cousins-unfortunately because of Rudy Gay's monster contract Cousins may be the only player worth getting back.
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