Eric Bledsoe rumors: Bledsoe likely to take Phoenix Suns’ qualifying offer?
When guard Eric Bledsoe was dealt from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Phoenix Suns in a three-team deal that sent guard J.J. Redick from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Clippers in a sign-and-trade, he believed he would make a big impact for the Suns and be in line for a monster contract this offseason. Bledsoe performed well for the Suns and helped them finish with a record of 48-34, narrowly missing out on the postseason.
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Bledsoe, however, hasn’t received the type of offers he’d hoped, partially because he missed 39 games and because the Suns hold all of the cards because Bledsoe is a restricted free agent.
The Suns have reportedly offered Bledsoe a four-year, $48 million deal but Bledsoe is looking for a deal worth about $80 million over five years. That has caused a rift between the two and some believe Bledsoe may wind up signing the qualifying offer the Suns issued him to make a restricted free agent.
According to Chris Broussard of ESPN.com, the relationship between the Suns and Bledsoe continues to sour and it looks like Bledsoe will indeed take the Suns’ qualifying offer and hit free agency next year.
Looking like qualifying offer. Relationship w/Phx going n wrong direction"@kevininzunza31: @Chris_Broussard Any news on Eric Bledsoe Chris?"
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) August 5, 2014
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. In his career, he’s put up 8.7 points, 3.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 44.5% from the field, 32.7% from three and 75.9% from the free throw line.
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