Eric Bledsoe (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Eric Bledsoe could be the likely trade candidate for the Phoenix Suns., with the team yet to address their crowded backcourt.
The Suns may have been relishing the return of Bledsoe from a career-threatening injury that forced him to be on the sidelines last season. Following his recuperation from a left knee injury suffered in December last year, Bledsoe picked up where he left, averaging 17.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists for Phoenix this season.
However, it remains a fact that the Suns are suddenly stacked at the backcourt. The Suns have stationed Devin Booker as the team's budding star, while Brandon Knight, who signed a five-year $70 million contract with the franchise last season, has emerged as a top option at the point guard position. Leandro Barbosa returning to Phoenix also contributed to the Suns' loaded backcourt, as well as developing prospects in Archie Goodwin and Tyler Ulis.
If Bledsoe could remain healthy all throughout the season, he deserves to be atop the pecking order of the Sun's guard rotation. But Lee Jenkins of Sports Illustrated believes the 26-year-old guard could be a trade candidate for Phoenix.
"There has never been a lot of room in the Phoenix backcourt for Bledsoe, and that's especially true now. You can argue whether he is truly a star-Bledsoe, oft-injured, is good for about 18/6/4 when healthy-but there has to be a better spot for him," Jenkins wrote.
The Suns have flatly denied shopping Bledsoe during the offseason, but trading him could become a possibility, especially if other teams offer an enticing package for Bledsoe and if the combination of Booker and Knight yields more promising results.
A contending team like the Cavs would be an intriguing destination for Bledsoe, although Cleveland does not have much of the assets to make a deal work. Another team that could use Bledsoe's talent is the Philadelphia 76ers, who lack a young veteran to run the point.
Considering the Suns' current lineup, acquiring an All-Star wingman or a veteran talent capable of contributing on both ends of the floor is an ideal prospect for Phoenix.
It is unclear whether the Suns would consider moving Bledsoe, but as the trade deadline nears, expect teams inquire about his availability.
Video courtesy: YouTube/Ximo Pierto
