The Los Angeles Lakers could still make a run for free-agent point guard Eric Bledsoe, as the Phoenix Suns are reportedly leaning towards trading the disgruntled playmaker before the start of the 2014-15 season.
According to sources, the Suns management are already beginning to explore trade options for the 24-year old Bledsoe, who is leaning towards accepting a one-year, $3.7 million deal and becoming an unrestricted free-agent next season.
"I'll tell you this, and I think this is the first time it's reported," Fox Sports 910 radio Jude LaCava said on Tuesday, "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."
Bledsoe remains unsigned up to this point of the free-agency period because the Suns are not giving him the max contract ($83 million over five years) he's asking for. Phoenix offering a four-year, $48 million deal, which is similar to the contract extension signed by Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry and Golden State Warriors All-Star playmaker Stephen Curry.
According to LaCava, chances of trading Bledsoe before the season starts is very real, and it seems the team's top-brass are now discussing options in which they can get the most out of the trading the dynamic point guard.
"I think it's safe to say 'open for Business'," LaCava added. "The decision makers, [managing partner Robert] Sarver and [PBO Lon] Babby and hopefully 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."
What are the Lakers Chances in Landing Bledsoe?
Bledsoe, who averaged 17.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists last season, is going to attract a lot of interest from several teams - including elite organization such as the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers.
The Suns are going to find the best possible trade partners for them to get assets in return for letting Bledsoe walk away. For Lakers fans, the pressing question is how Mitch Kupchak and company get a high-quality guard like Bledsoe.
The Lakers should consider trading Steve Nash's expiring contract, Julius Randle and perhaps a first round pick (acquired from the Houston Rockets in the Jeremy Lin trade) to make things work. At 40-years old, Nash might be playing his last season of his career, and there's no perfect place to end it than the team where it started it all - the Suns.
As for trading Randle, it would be hard to trade a solid rookie who showed promises during his college career, but Bledsoe is a talent with All-Star potential. It's a safe gamble to trade an unproven youngster in exchange for a rising star in the league.
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