After Lance Stephenson signed with the Charlotte Hornets, only one big free agent name is left in the market: Eric Bledsoe. The explosive guard's future with the Phoenix Suns, however, remains uncertain as both sides have yet to agree on a contract this summer, according to sources who have inside knowledge on the situation.
After having a breakout season with the Suns, Bledsoe is apparently looking for a max contract as he enters this summer's free agency market as a restricted free agent. Many teams have been reluctant in pursuing the young, rising guard with the thought that the Suns will match any offer from him. Phoenix, so far, has also declined any trade scenario involving Bledsoe.
But after the Suns succeeded in making a sign-and-trade deal for Sacramento Kings guard Isaiah Thomas and drafting point guard Tyler Ennis, the team may perhaps be preparing to move on from Bledsoe, league sources said. The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly interested with Bledoes as well as the Sacramento Kings and the Houston Rockets, which recently shipped Jeremy Lin to the Lakers to free up cap space, who could be looking for a quality starting point guard in their roster next season.
But whether its the Suns, Kings, or Rockets, who will bring home the talented guard this summer, one thing remains certain: Eric Bledsoe is surely going to get paid! As Yahoo Sports' Marc J, Spears reports, any team who has interest in acquiring the blossoming restricted free agent should be ready to lay down some serious cash on the table.
A team looking to make a move on Bledsoe though, should consider first whether the young developing guard is worth a max contract. His performance with the Suns last season says that he is. After finally moving out of Chris Paul's shadow, Bledsoe has made some remarkable numbers last season averaging 17.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.6 steals, joining an elite group in the NBA which includes the likes of Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, and LeBron James, who have made such figures in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
What's even more impressive is the fact that Bledsoe stacked such numbers while logging just 32.9 minutes every game, making him just the 4th player in NBA history to reach such an exceptional stat line in under 33 minutes a game. He joins Ray Williams, Clyde Drexler, and Westbrook in this rare category.
But as dominant and impressive as he was last season with Pheonix, Eric Bledsoe was unable to play half of the season due to a myriad of injuries. He clearly has the talent and the upside to become a star in this league but you have to question whether he has the durability to sustain 82 games every season - not to mention the playoffs.
So what do you think, is Eric Bledsoe worth the max? Which team will he be playing next season?
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