With the Phoenix Suns and restricted free agent Eric Bledsoe "far apart" in contract talks, the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly are interested in possibly acquiring the guard.
Bledsoe, one of the top remaining free agents on the market, appears to be at an impasse with Phoenix. ESPN's Chris Broussard reported Friday that Bledsoe's camp and the Suns are "far apart" in contract talks, leaving open the possibility of Bledsoe playing for another team next season.
"The Suns have offered Bledsoe a four-year, $48 million contract, but the point guard wants a maximum five-year, $80 million deal, league sources said," Broussard wrote.
Teams have been hesitant to make an offer to Bledsoe because of the belief Phoenix would match any offer. But that could now change, given the impasse, the selection of guard Tyler Ennis in the 2014 draft and the sign-and-trade of guard Isaiah Thomas.
Milwaukee has been mentioned as a potential suitor for Bledsoe, according to Broussard, and could make a push for the talented 24-year-old. Bledsoe would be an upgrade at the point guard position over Brandon Knight, who could be floated around in a possible sign-and-trade.
The problem, as pointed out by BasketballInsiders.com, is Milwaukee can't offer Bledsoe more than $11 million per year without moving around players. BasketballInsiders confirmed Milwaukee is interested in Bledsoe, but seemingly only if they can complete a sign-and-trade for him.
The Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings also reportedly are interested in Bledsoe, although both teams are short on salary cap space and would need to either move pieces around on their roster or complete a sign-and-trade.
Barring an interested team suddenly getting additional salary cap space or enticing Phoenix into a sign-and-trade, Bledsoe can either reach a contract agreement with Phoenix or he can sign Phoenix's qualifying offer of $6.5 million and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Bledsoe averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season.
