Eric Bledsoe (Photo : REUTERS)
The Phoenix Suns are likely to become major players in NBA trade rumors as the deadline approaches.
They have already been linked to DeMarcus Cousins in this report from Arizona Sports on a package "centered around involving small forward T.J. Warren, center Alex Len, Phoenix's first-round pick this year and possibly more. The Suns own all of their future picks and also own two future Miami Heat first-round picks from the Goran Dragic deal."
According to John Gambadoro, who leaked the information on the talks, "Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker would not be in the deal."
It's unlikely that the Suns could pry away a legitimate superstar talent in Cousins without sacrificing any of their two best players, even if the draft pick could be in the top five. This is why Zach Lowe of ESPN is contemplating whether the Suns should roll the dice on Eric Bledsoe.
"Bledsoe's ascension raises an obvious question: Should Phoenix, sporting a bundle of 20-and-under prospects, sell high on Bledsoe, now 27 -- and select his successor near the top of a draft loaded with point guards? Remember: Bledsoe has three knee surgeries in the rearview. His value is cresting, and the Suns could flip him for future assets that match the timelines of Booker, Marquese Chriss, Dragan Bender, and whomever they pick in June," Lowe stated.
It was also stated in the article that the learning curve of NBA point guards takes a while, so their prospective draft pick, even if it's Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball, the consensus top two picks, they would not be able to contribute the way Bledsoe does.
But trading Bledsoe now can net them a young star on another position. The Suns have Brandon Knight at guard along with Devin Booker and their likely draft pick. Bledsoe could net them a solid frontcourt player.
Teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets are a step below the playoff curve and in need of scoring and leadership that Bledsoe could provide. The Timberwolves could offer Zach Lavine as an athletic scoring guard alongside Devin Booker.
The Nuggets are allegedly shopping Emmanuel Mudiay but they can also add Jusuf Nurkic as added options at center. But the most intriguing option could be the Milwaukee Bucks. Bledsoe could bring back someone like Jabari Parker (might be a long shot, but they need a point guard and Antetokounmpo is their top forward). Thon Maker could also be an added asset they can ask for.
