Sporting News’ Deveney: Bledsoe trade market could ‘heat up’ in free agency
Jun 29, 2015, 2:32 PM | Updated: 2:33 pm
LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love and Marc Gasol are all expected to highlight the 2015 NBA free agency class, but the Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe might join them as one of the biggest names available.
Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported Monday that the Sacaramento Kings have shown interest in the 25-year-old point guard, who signed a five-year, $70 million contract extension last summer.
Deveney told Bickley & Marotta of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM that Bledsoe would likely be a trade option for teams once the biggest names have signed.
“Probably after that first wave of free agents has passed through, then you’ll see the trade market really heat up and a guy like Bledsoe really be pursued by other teams,” Deveney said.
The Suns would not likely get a superstar haul in DeMarcus Cousins in return for Bledsoe, he said.
“(DeMarcus Cousins) is not what you’re looking at,” Deveney said. “You’re probably looking at draft picks, some young guys in return. Certainly moving the (four-years, $57 million remaining) contract on would be a pretty good thing…it could be a Rudy Gay thing. I’m not sure that’s where they would go.”
Gay, an unrestricted free agent, averaged 21.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season.
However, Deveney said the ongoing drama between Cousins and the Kings would delay any potential deals.
“Sacramento’s obviously working through some issues as well,” Deveney said. “That would take some time.”
Deveney said Phoenix’s roster allows them the ability to listen to offers for Bledsoe.
“If they’re going to commit to Brandon Knight and even Devin Booker, that could open the way for Eric Bledsoe (to be moved),” Deveney said.
Bledsoe averaged 17.0 points, 6.1 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game last season.
Deveney also added that another former Kentucky guard is drawing interest around the league.
“Archie Goodwin is somebody that I’ve heard a lot of teams covet,” Deveney said. “They really think he’s going to be a potentially good player. Now, the Suns think that too…he’s not even 20 years old yet. Still a very young guy. He’s probably the guy on that roster that other teams can look at.”
