Suns guards Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight would not be part of sign-and-trade involving LaMarcus Aldridge
Jul 1, 2015, 8:04 PM | Updated: 9:13 pm
We’re still a ways from any final determination on a final destination for LaMarcus Aldridge, but we can say that if the Phoenix Suns end up acquiring the free agent forward, they won’t be dealing guards Eric Bledsoe or Brandon Knight in order to make it happen.
On the heels of the Suns’ Wednesday meeting with Aldridge, Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s John Gambadoro tweeted that Bledsoe and Knight are effectively off-limits in any potential sign-and-trade the Suns might execute.
Eric Bledsoe & Brandon Knight are untouchable in a sign & trade. Those are the only 2 untouchables though unlikely they would move Alex Len
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 2, 2015
Which makes sense, as both Bledsoe and Knight were part of the welcoming party that met with Aldridge in an attempt to sell him on the idea of playing Phoenix.
With the potential acquisition of Aldridge, the Suns would vastly bolster their presence in the frontcourt, as Aldridge would conceivably combine with Markieff and Marcus Morris, Jon Leuer, Alex Len and the freshly signed Tyson Chandler, who reportedly agreed to a deal with Phoenix on Wednesday.
Hours later, Gambadoro tweeted out a series of messages outlining the reasons why Aldridge finds Phoenix attractive following his conversation with one NBA player who considers Phoenix to be “definitely in the running.”
Just spoke with an NBA player who has talked with LaMarcus “Not showing his cards, interested in Suns. They are definitely in the running”
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 2, 2015
Aldridge not interested in playing the 5 which he would do a lot in San Antonio. Suns having Chandler/Len appealing to him.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 2, 2015
Suns have what he is looking for 1) Will still get his shots put up numbers 2) Good team that he can be centerpiece 3) Plays Power Forward
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 2, 2015
4) And he doesn't want to be 2nd or 3rd fiddle..Not at end of career chasing a championship. Can build towards one
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 2, 2015
Of course, that’s all well and good. But in order to add Aldridge to the Suns roster, Gambadoro indicates that the Phoenix front office will have to get creative in order to make it happen.
Best option Sign and Trade in which 2 of these 3 are gone – PJ, Markieff and Marcus plus to entice Portland likely give up a pick or two
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 2, 2015
If Portland refuses sign & trade Suns would have to clear about 18-19 million and trade Keef, PJ, Granger, Marcus and others to give LA Max
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 2, 2015
A third option could be a sign and trade with Dallas for Tyson Chandler, in which Dallas takes on some salary but gets a pick or 2 in return
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 2, 2015
I think it is likely Suns have to give away pick(s) in order to get some team(s) to take back players so they can fit Chandler/Aldridge in
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 2, 2015
It may be a long shot, but the Suns appear to be in a position with the potential tools to make blockbuster deal come to fruition.
