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NBA trade rumors: Phoenix Suns sending Eric Bledsoe to Denver Nuggets for Kenneth Faried, Will Barton?

| Aug 18, 2016 08:56 PM EDT

Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball against Victor Oladipo #5 of the Orlando Magic during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe is continuously being mentioned in numerous trade rumors. One of the latest trade scenarios suggested that Bledsoe could move to the Denver Nuggets.

According to Sports Illustrated's FanSided, the Suns could agree to send Bledsoe to the Nuggets in exchange for Kenneth Faried and Will Barton. Like Bledsoe, Faried has also been a subject of recent trade talks.

While it will be a two-for-one deal, the report pointed out that it could benefit both teams in the long run. It might not make both teams serious contenders next season but the trade could be positive for the Suns and the Nuggets.

"This speculative trade could help both teams find a more balanced feel to their rosters, creating more legitimate grouping-options that could be used to combat a wider range of defensive sets," FanSided noted. "The results of this trade would likely be minimal, but effective nonetheless."

Why will the Suns agree to the deal

The Suns have been shopping Bledsoe this summer, as confirmed by ESPN insider Marc Stein. Brandon Knight is reportedly on the trading block as well but moving Bledsoe makes more sense for the Suns.

Incoming second year guard Devin Booker is expected to the be their full-time starter at the two spot, making Bledsoe a dispensable asset. Knight could start alongside Booker, while Barton could come off the bench for guard relief. Faried will the solve a gaping hole inside the paint for the Suns.

Why will the Nuggets accept the trade

On the other hand, the Nuggets will miss Faried's energy and hustle if they decide to accept the trade. However, acquiring Bledsoe could do more good than harm for them.

Bledsoe is known for his all-out approach and is often considered as poor man's Russell Westbrook. The 26-year-old guard, who averaged 20.4 points on top of 6.1 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game last season, could start alongside Emmanuel Mudiay on the backcourt.

Up front, Jusuf Nurkic, Nikola Jokic and Joffrey Lauvergne will carry bigger responsibilities for the Nuggets. Nuggets fans are excited to see Jokic next season after his impressive campaign with Serbia in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Watch the highlights of one of Bledsoe's best games last season in the video below.

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