Eric Bledsoe rumors: Milwaukee Bucks in pursuit?
Phoenix Suns’ free point guard Eric Bledsoe was expected to be a hot commodity once he hit free agency in 2014. Bledsoe is a very talented player who began to break out while playing behind Chris Paul with the Los Angeles Clippers. When he was dealt to the Suns, he became a borderline all-star.
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There are a couple of reasons the rumors have been quiet around Bledsoe. His injury history is a bit of a concern – he missed 39 games last season and he is a restricted free agent, meaning the Suns can match an offer sheet he signs.
Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders believes it would be in the best interest of the Suns to match a potential Bucks’ offer or any other offer, which is something they plan to do.
"According to reports, it’s something that has been discussed. I just can’t see Phoenix letting Bledsoe walk though. Ryan McDonough has said on a number of occasions that the Suns will match any offer that Bledsoe receives, because he played very well last year, showed flashes of brilliance and it’s pretty clear that his best basketball is ahead of him. The organization loves him and doesn’t want to see him leave. Also, it’s never smart to let an asset like that get away. The smarter thing to do would be to match the offer sheet and then trade him later if things don’t work out, for whatever reason. That way you at least get something back for the asset, instead of receiving no compensation back by letting him walk to Milwaukee."
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.