Eric Bledsoe rumors: Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings can’t afford Bledsoe
Phoenix Suns’ restricted free agent point guard Eric Bledsoe is probably the top player remaining on the market (although Detroit Pistons’ restricted free agent big man Greg Monroe may have something to say about that). That’s why it is a bit of a surprise that he hasn’t gotten more attention in free agency.
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In fact, he isn’t even getting the type of attention he wants from the Suns. Not only did the Suns acquire another point guard when they pulled off a sign-and-trade for Isaiah Thomas (although they say they plan to play Thomas, Bledsoe and Goran Dragic), but they are only looking to give Bledsoe a four-year, $48 million deal when he is looking for a deal worth around $80 million.
As Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders points out, neither team can currently afford Bledsoe.
"There have been reports linking the Rockets and Kings to Bledsoe, however both teams lack the salary cap space to make a deal straight up, meaning a sign and trade deal is needed there too……Ultimately the Suns are in the driver’s seat with Bledsoe on a trade, they really do not have to do anything that’s not in their best interest, especially as the free agent dollars dry up."
It also seems like a bit of a long shot that either team would trade the type of assets the Suns would require in a potential sign-and-trade.
Bledsoe averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 47.7% from the field, 35.7% from beyond the arc and 77.2% from the free throw line last season. Bledsoe, who was the 18th-overall selection of the 2010 NBA Draft, has averaged 8.7 points, 3.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 44.5% from the field, 32.7% from three and 75.9% from the charity stripe.