Los Angeles Lakers rumors: Eric Bledsoe trade is dead?
By Bryan Rose
When news broke suggesting that the Los Angeles Lakers were wanting to trade for Phoenix Suns restricted free agent Eric Bledsoe, it was a bit odd. Their interest in the former Kentucky star was well warranted, but this was a team who just struck out on both Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James and had a hefty amount of cap space.
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If the Los Angeles Lakers wanted Eric Bledsoe so badly, why didn’t they just make an offer?
Some have suggested that doing so what have been a death wish considering the Phoenix Suns seem so intent on matching any contract offer he receives which is why the idea of a sign-and-trade scenario was brought up. However, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the trade talk is one sided and driven by Bledsoe’s agent. In fact, he does not believe any such deal will manifest as he explained during his recent chat.
"No. This is being fueled on the Bledsoe side.The Lakers could have put in an offer on Bledsoe with their cap space and forced the action. They did not. This is an agent trying to generate a market for a guy thats not getting a lot of love."
The Phoenix Suns have already stated that Eric Bledsoe will be back with them next season, either on a one-year qualifying offer or after signing a contract extension. If Bledsoe does not sign the extension, he will have the ability to become an unrestricted free agent next season.