NBA Trade Rumors: Phoenix wants Knicks’ international youngsters for Bledsoe
By Joe Romano
The Pheonix Suns are actively shopping point guard Eric Bledsoe. The New York Knicks have expressed interest.
An early NBA trade might be in the works. Phoenix Suns’ point guard Eric Bledsoe has voiced his displeasure with the organization on Twitter. After coach Earl Watson was fired, the Suns are now looking to move Bledsoe as well.
Earlier on Monday the Suns sent Bledsoe home after he met with the organization. He will not be playing in the Suns next game against the Sacramento Kings.
ESPN Sources: Eric Bledsoe met with team this morning before shootaround and he was sent home. He will not play tonight against Sacramento.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 23, 2017
One team that Phoenix has discussed a Bledsoe trade is the New York Knicks. According to Michael Scotto the Suns are asking for two young international prospects from New York.
Phoenix Suns asked New York Knicks for Frank Ntlikina and Willy Hernangomez in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, league sources told @BBallInsiders
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 23, 2017
The Knicks have one of the worst point guard situations in the league. The Eastern Conference’s bottom of the playoff standings is looking to be wide open. It’s easy to see the Knicks, after acquiring Bledsoe, making a run at those lower seeds.
In exchange for Bledsoe, the Suns would want their 2017 first round pick. New York selected Frank Ntilikina with the No. 8 pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. The Belgium point guard is an elite athlete with length. Most in the draft circles saw him as a great prospect with untapped defensive potential. He makes sense for the Suns because he will not turn 20 until next summer. Phoenix imagines a backcourt of the sharp shooting budding star Devin Booker and Ntilikina as a perfect pairing.
Phoenix is also asking for Willy Hernangomez. The Spanish big man is a former second round pick that blossomed in his first year in New York. Hernangomez is more of a throwback center but would be an ideal piece for Phoenix. He can play next to either of their former first round picks, Dragan Bender or Marquese Chriss.
Next: 5 potential trade destinations for Eric Bledsoe
New York would have to throw in Kyle O’Quinn and a minimum salary for the trade to match. They’d have a trio of Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardway Jr. and Eric Bledsoe to propel them this season. They own their own picks going forward. That team would be in a decent position but the best team the Knicks have seen since 2013.