The Phoenix Suns and Eric Bledsoe are still millions apart, and according to the latest report by ESPN insider Chris Broussard, the relationship between the two parties has reached its sourest level.
Bledsoe, who is demanding a max contract worth at least $80 million over five years, is reportedly unhappy with the way the Suns are using restricted free-agency against him. There are a couple of teams that expressed interest in trading for Bledsoe, but the Suns management are firm in their stance not to let the explosive point guard walk away.
Broussard stated that the relationship between Bledsoe and the Suns are going in a wrong direction, and it appears the only way for the guard to get out of Phoenix the earliest is to accept a qualifying contract worth $3.7 million.
"The relationship between the Suns and Eric Bledsoe continues to sour, and as it does, it's looking like he'll end up taking Phoenix's one-year qualifying offer, worth about $3.7MM, tweets Chris Broussard of ESPN.com," via Hoops Rumors.
"That route would allow him to hit unrestricted free agency by next summer, but it would also represent a severe discount, not only on the maximum salary that Bledsoe has been seeking, but also from the four-year, $48MM offer the Suns have reportedly made."
Acquired in a three-team trade with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angles Clippers last summer, the 24-year old Bledsoe averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season with the Suns. He was a strong candidate for Most Improved Player of the Year, but a torn MCL injury allowed teammate Goran Dragic to get the nod.
According to a league executive, the four-year, $48 million deal is a fair offer, if not generous one, for Bledsoe, whom he believed hasn't proven yet to be an All-Star calibre player in a long haul.
"I'm surprised that they would offer him that much," one of the executives told Paul Corro of Arizona Republic. "They don't need to. It is really fair and, in fact, generous. He is talented, but he has never put it together very long, and he hasn't been healthy. It's hard to turn your team over to him."
Meanwhile, the Pistons are also in dilemma on how they could keep Greg Monroe, who is asking a shorter deal to allow him become an unrestricted free-agent sooner. The 24-year old Monroe averaged 15.2 points and 9.3 rebounds last season with the Pistons, but was believed unhappy playing alongside Josh Smith.
There are several teams wanting to get the productive big man, though the Pistons' hefty price scared them off.
The Skinny
As the Suns and Pistons executives scratch their heads on how to retain the service of their respective key players, a suggestion about a trade involving both teams could make sense.
The Suns, who already have a plethora of backcourt players, have been seeking for a veteran big man that would anchor their defence. Monroe is a perfect fit because of his rebounding ability and as a solid scorer at the post.
On the other hand, the Pistons would benefit from having Bledsoe play alongside Brandon Jennings on their backcourt. Bledsoe is listed as a point guard, but he has shown as a more offensive-oriented off guard rather than a playmaker. The Pistons would instantly boast one of the most dynamic backcourt in the Eastern Conference with the Bledsoe-Jennings tandem.
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