Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns $32 million apart in contract negotiations

ESPN’s Chris Broussard reported early Thursday that the Phoenix Suns and their restricted free agent point guard Eric Bledsoe were having some problems during contract negotiations.

"The future of one of the most talented free agents left on the market remains cloudy, as Eric Bledsoe and the Phoenix Suns remain far apart in contract talks, according to sources close to the situation.Bledsoe’s representatives have been engaged in discussions with Phoenix, but the Suns’ offer is far below what Bledsoe is looking for."

Now, Broussard is providing more clarity on the situation and just how incredibly far apart these two sides are.

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Sources: Suns offered Eric Bledsoe 4-year, $48 million contract. Bledsoe wants max of 5 years, $80 million. Sides far apart
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 17, 2014

Yikes. A $32 million difference is nothing to ignore. The Suns might have to eventually pony up the dough to retain Bledsoe because, as Broussard notes, there are several teams out there that could have interest in his services.

"The Milwaukee Bucks have been mentioned as a team with interest in Bledsoe, and Sacramento and Houston, which recently traded away Jeremy Lin, could be in the market for a point guard."

Bledsoe was fantastic during his first year as a Sun, averaging 17.7 points (44.7 shooting percentage from the field), 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season.

With Bledsoe being just 24, the sky is the limit for the athletic freak and whoever ultimately ends up with him will have one of the best young point guards in the NBA today.

Bledsoe was the No. 18 pick in the 2010 draft out of Kentucky.

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