While the Phoenix Suns reportedly are now open to trading restricted free agent Eric Bledsoe, the Los Angeles Lakers' best chance of acquiring the disgruntled guard remains through free agency in 2015.
Los Angeles purportedly is interested in Bledsoe, whom one report indicates Phoenix is now willing to trade. Bledsoe landing with the Suns' rival, though, appears unlikely. Phoenix owns Los Angeles' 2015 first round pick, and although the pick is top-five protected, Eric Pincus of BasketballInsiders.com states the obvious: Phoenix has no inclination to help the Lakers improve.
"Whenever Bledsoe is mentioned in the news - I get a flood of Lakers questions - not sure Suns want to help lower the Lakers' 2015 pick," Pincus tweeted Thursday. "... Taking on say Steve Nash and mediocre Houston pick, while hurting their own selection from Lakers in 2015? Appealing to Suns? Doubt that."
Los Angeles also doesn't have much in terms of assets, meaning Phoenix could find a better deal elsewhere. The Lakers' financial flexibility for the upcoming seasons doesn't appear to be an option, either: Phoenix doesn't need to dump any bad contracts, and the Lakers won't want to fill their cap space ahead of next summer's projected big free agency class.
If the Lakers really do want Bledsoe, a potential franchise cornerstone, then the team's best bet is to sign him as a free agent in July. Doing that, however, requires Bledsoe to sign Phoenix's qualifying offer and play out the season in a Suns uniform.
Bledsoe and Phoenix have been at odds all offseason over money. The 24-year-old believes he's worth close to a max-level deal, but the Suns believe he's worth only around $48 million and are unwilling to budge on that number.
Teams haven't given Bledsoe any offer sheets because they feel Phoenix will match whatever is given. That could change, though, with Phoenix reportedly now considering sign-and-trade options.
"I'll tell you this, and I think this is the first time it's reported, I do believe in my NBA sources," local Phoenix broadcaster Joe LaCava told FoxSports 910 Wednesday, via SB Nation. "You can take this to the bank, so to speak, the Suns are now discussing trade possibilities for Eric Bledsoe.
"That's the new chapter to this and I wouldn't back off that information. I think it's 100 (percent) correct."
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Houston Rockets are also purportedly interested in Bledsoe, and both teams have a better chance than the Lakers of enticing Phoenix into a deal.
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