Eric Bledsoe rumors: Phoenix Suns still want to sign Bledsoe long-term

By Andrew Melnick | Aug 25, 2014

Apr 12, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) brings the ball up court during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The Phoenix Suns entered the offseason with the intention of retaining Eric Bledsoe. However, the Suns offered Bledsoe a four-year, $48 million deal while Bledsoe is reportedly seeking a max deal worth over $80 million over five years. That’s led to speculation the two sides may not be able to come to an amicable solution.

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According to Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders, the Suns still want to sign Bledsoe long-term.

"Spending power in the NBA has tightened up. Few of the teams with money to spend are willing to part with it.Monroe is expected to take the Detroit Pistons’ $5.5 million qualifying offer, although Detroit will need to open a roster spot since they already have 15 guaranteed players.The Phoenix Suns still hope to bring back Bledsoe on a long-term deal, but are reportedly open to a sign and trade. The athletic guard may also choose to take the Suns’ $3.7 million qualifying offer for a year."

After acquiring Isaiah Thomas from the Sacramento Kings in the offseason, the Suns could indeed trade Bledsoe and have a more than adequate replacement.

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 four-year NBA career, the 18th-overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NBA draft, has averaged 8.7 points, 3.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 44.5% from the floor, 32.7% from three and 75.8% from the charity stripe.

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