Phoenix Suns, Eric Bledsoe far apart in contract talks

By Bryan Rose | Jul 17, 2014

Apr 14, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) dribbles against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

For months the Phoenix Suns have suggested they will match any contract offer presented to restricted free agent Eric Bledsoe. Given that, no team has signed the guard to an offer sheet. However, his demand for a maximum salary contract has held up Bledsoe from re-signing with the Suns and the two sides aren’t any closer to a deal.

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That’s the word from ESPN who says both the Phoenix Suns and Eric Bledsoe are ‘far apart‘ in contractual talks, something that has to be a concern for fans in the Valley of the Sun.

"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."

When the Suns signed Isaiah Thomas to a four-year, $28 million dollar contract earlier this offseason it rose the eyebrows of some as the team would essentially have three starting point guards on their roster, assuming Bledsoe returned. Granted, both Bledsoe and Goran Dragic can play the shooting guard position but when paired with the 5’9 Thomas, it would make for an extremely small lineup.

That has lead to some speculation suggesting that the Phoenix Suns may move on from Eric Bledsoe or possibly attempt to involve him in a sign-and-trade scenario, though that would be mildly difficult given his restricted contract status.

Whatever the case, it does not appear that contractual talks between the two sides are going well.

If Bledsoe does not sign a contract, he could opt to play on a one-year deal with the Suns which would allow him to be an unrestricted free agent at season end.