NBA Free Agency: One move every team needs to make
By Tom West
Chicago Bulls: Trade for Eric Bledsoe
Well, the Derrick Rose era has come to an end, Jimmy Buttler is still on the roster after the 2016 NBA Draft after all, and the Bulls now find themselves without a point guard.
Can they tempt Mike Conley away from the Grizzlies and so many other better situations? It’s unlikely, not to mention the fact that they simply don’t have the max money needed to bring him onboard.
Their point guard options are limited like everyone else due to the weak group available, meaning the best option could be pursuing a trade in order to once again have an elite backcourt duo built around Butler.
It just so happens that the guard-heavy Suns are looking to adjust their roster and move Eric Bledsoe before next season, as Sean Deveney of Sporting News has reported:
"Another young veteran who will be firmly on the trading block is Eric Bledsoe of the Suns, as Phoenix seeks to rebalance its guard-heavy roster and hopes to add frontcourt help."
On top of that, rumors emerged around the draft that Brandon Knight was being shopped, too.
Before tearing his meniscus and sitting out for the remainder of the season, Bledsoe was playing at the best level of his career. He was showcasing his improved three-point shot with a career-high 1.5 makes per game at a 37.2 percent rate, while adding his typical athletic finishes near the rim and impressive mid-range game, making 54.3 percent of his shots from 10-16 feet. He averaged career-highs of 20 points, 6.1 assists and two steals per game, and could be a brilliant fit next to Butler.
Not only because of his scoring impact to replace Rose, but because his hounding perimeter defense and knack of getting steals will form an imposing defense pairing next to All-Defensive Second Team player Jimmy Butler.
To make matters even better, Bledsoe is under a reasonable contract for three more years.
How exactly the Bulls can acquire Bledsoe is uncertain and no names have emerged at this stage. However, if Phoenix wants frontcourt help, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic are potential offerings, along with any other necessary complimentary pieces needed to complete a deal.
Next: Detroit Pistons