5 potential trade destinations for Eric Bledsoe
By Joe Romano
DEN gets: Eric Bledsoe
PHX gets: Emmanuel Mudiay and Kenneth Faried
The Denver Nuggets spent big on free agent big man Paul Millsap to help their defense out. Most believe they’re a point guard away from being a true playoff threat in the west. Eric Bledsoe would address that issue immediately.
A trade with Denver looks to be the most realistic given Bledsoe tanking his trade value with ill-timed tweets. The salaries match on ESPN’s trade machine.
This trade would require the Nuggets to cut their losses with Emmanuel Mudiay, a former top ten pick who’s only 21. Denver has tried to move Faried for the past two seasons, and he’s expendable with Millsap on board now.
On the court Bledsoe fits perfect with Denver. Nikola Jokic is the primary ball-handler and would let Bledsoe thrive in the open court and on the defensive end, his two biggest strengths. He makes a great back court partner for Gary Harris and can even play alongside Jamal Murray in three-guard lineups.
Phoenix gets a reclamation project in Mudiay who has disappointed thus far in his NBA career. They’d hope that a change of scenery could revitalize the talent that made him such a high pick. His age matches perfectly with the rest of the young Suns. Faried provides energy and rebounding for the young frontcourt until his contract expires.