PHOENIX SUNS

SBNation NBA writer: Suns guard Eric Bledsoe fourth-best free agent on the market

Jun 21, 2014, 3:23 PM | Updated: 3:23 pm

The 2014 NBA free agent market market is filled with All-Stars both past and present.

From LeBron James to Carmelo Anthony to Paul Pierce and Dirk Nowitzki, there will be no shortage of intrigue this summer when it comes to the league’s household names — restricted and unrestricted.

But in his ranking of the 75 free agents this year, SBNation NBA writer Tom Ziller included a name toward the top of the list that lacks nationwide notoriety.

Despite being limited to just 43 games in 2013-14, Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe came in at number four on Ziller’s list — sandwiched between Anthony and Dwyane Wade.

Bledsoe, a restricted free agent come July 1, averaged career highs in points (17.7), assists (5.5), rebounds (4.7) and steals (1.6) per game with Phoenix.

Acquired in a three-way deal with the Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks in July 2013, Bledsoe can sign an offer sheet with any team seeking his services, but ultimately the Suns have the ability to match any deal.

The question is how much money will Bledsoe be offered on the open market?

GM Ryan McDonough is doing the whole “we’re keeping him, no doubt about it” signal to scare off other teams, and it’s worth noting that Bledsoe is a player he brought to the team. He’s likely not bluffing.

It’s pretty clear that it will cost the Suns a max deal to keep him, so we could very well see a quiet agreement reached on July 1. Is Bledsoe worth that? Probably, but that’s what we’ll find out over the next five years.

In 2013-14, the final year of his four-year rookie contract, Bledsoe made $2.6 million.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Phoenix Suns

Jusuf Nurkic...

Damon Allred

Jusuf Nurkic questionable for Suns’ matchup with Thunder; Bradley Beal no longer listed

The Phoenix Suns are listing center Jusuf Nurkic questionable for a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

8 hours ago

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

1 day ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

1 day ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

1 day ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

SBNation NBA writer: Suns guard Eric Bledsoe fourth-best free agent on the market