Suns, Eric Bledsoe Far Apart In Talks

[Mainstreet]

Or that the Suns have 100% of the leverage, they've preached patience and there is no reason for them to change strategy at this point.

With how many leaks there are around the league with Bledsoe's agent wanting to drive the price up, if a sign and trade were on the table, I expect we'd have heard about it.

I'd expect this to be true. However, if some team offers the Suns a reasonable sign and trade offer maybe they save the Suns from making a Eric Gordon type blunder. Bledsoe is not worth a Gordon type contract of $58 million over 4 years... neither was Gordon.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I'd expect this to be true. However, if some team offers the Suns a reasonable sign and trade offer maybe they save the Suns from making a Eric Gordon type blunder. Bledsoe is not worth a Gordon type contract of $58 million over 4 years... neither was Gordon.

To you, what level player warrants this type of deal? Top 20? Top 30? Top 40? For me, that's basically a top 30 type deal and if you're not too concerned about his knee, it's an easy contract to swallow. In two years, it will probably be a top 40 to top 50 salary. Maybe lower if the new TV money is as big as they think it will be.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

To you, what level player warrants this type of deal? Top 20? Top 30? Top 40? For me, that's basically a top 30 type deal and if you're not too concerned about his knee, it's an easy contract to swallow. In two years, it will probably be a top 40 to top 50 salary. Maybe lower if the new TV money is as big as they think it will be.

Steve

I'm not sure what category Bledsoe belongs as he only played well about half a season and he has a history of injury. Maybe this is why there are not more bidders for his services. The Suns are basing their contract offer on a limited sample. I'm thinking Dragic falls into a top 30 category more than Bledsoe.

 

[Phrazbit]

I'd expect this to be true. However, if some team offers the Suns a reasonable sign and trade offer maybe they save the Suns from making a Eric Gordon type blunder. Bledsoe is not worth a Gordon type contract of $58 million over 4 years... neither was Gordon.

If someone offered Bledsoe that contract I'd hope the Suns match. He is a better player than Gordon and has less injury issues.

 

[Chaz]

Even the Gordon contract is not that bad. If Bledsoe gets that offer I would expect they would match.

 

[JS22]

Suns loss.

LOL, well, alright then.

 

[Mainstreet]

If someone offered Bledsoe that contract I'd hope the Suns match. He is a better player than Gordon and has less injury issues.

I think the Suns would match because Bledsoe is an asset and one should not give up assets for nothing in return. However, I'd like to do a sign and trade for this amount of money. I can see it playing out like something like this, Bledsoe getting a contract with a player option for the final year (if permissible) and possibly losing Bledsoe for one of those seasons because of injury.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I'm not sure what category Bledsoe belongs as he only played well about half a season and he has a history of injury. Maybe this is why there are not more bidders for his services. The Suns are basing their contract offer on a limited sample. I'm thinking Dragic falls into a top 30 category more than Bledsoe.

I think they both fall into this category. If they're not both top 30, neither of them miss by much. There are 40 players that will make more money than we've offered Bledsoe so I can understand his reluctance to sign. And I can understand our reluctance to offer more. If an injury risk analysis says we shouldn't raise our offer, then we shouldn't budge even if it means we lose him. If injuries aren't a special concern, I don't think there is a salary we could match that would be an overpayment.

Steve

 

[AzStevenCal]

I think the Suns would match because Bledsoe is an asset and one should not give up assets for nothing in return. However, I'd like to do a sign and trade for this amount of money. I can see it playing out like something like this, Bledsoe getting a contract with a player option for the final year (if permissible) and possibly losing Bledsoe for one of those seasons because of injury.

Why? This makes no sense to me. We aren't in need of more bodies, we need a star. I think Bledsoe is that star but if you, or more importantly, management thinks otherwise, it's best to just let him go. It makes no sense to bring in players that will just cost us flexibility in the future and hamper our ability to assess our current players.

We really need Markieff to start at the four to see if he's our power forward of the future. We need to play Len and Plumlee to see if they're our centers of the future. And we already have pretty good guards even without Bledsoe. Now, if someone wants to give us a star in return for Bledsoe that's a different story but I think it's pretty clear that's not likely to happen. I'd even be willing to sign and trade with the purpose of acquiring future draft picks but the money involved probably makes that a tough match.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

Why? This makes no sense to me. We aren't in need of more bodies, we need a star. I think Bledsoe is that star but if you, or more importantly, management thinks otherwise, it's best to just let him go. It makes no sense to bring in players that will just cost us flexibility in the future and hamper our ability to assess our current players.

We really need Markieff to start at the four to see if he's our power forward of the future. We need to play Len and Plumlee to see if they're our centers of the future. And we already have pretty good guards even without Bledsoe. Now, if someone wants to give us a star in return for Bledsoe that's a different story but I think it's pretty clear that's not likely to happen. I'd even be willing to sign and trade with the purpose of acquiring future draft picks but the money involved probably makes that a tough match.

Steve

I do not believe in giving up assets for nothing in return if the risk is reasonable. I guess this decision is for the Suns and their medical team to decide. If McDonough wants to sign Bledsoe for Gordon type money, who am I to say no. However, it would personally give me some uneasiness. I want the other Suns players you mention be given a chance as well.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I do not believe in giving up assets for nothing in return if the risk is reasonable. I guess this decision is for the Suns and their medical team to decide. If McDonough wants to sign Bledsoe for Gordon type money, who am I to say no. However, it would personally give me some uneasiness. I want the other Suns players you mention be given a chance as well.

Me too. If we sign him, I'm going to be worried about his health from the moment the ink dries. And that's even if our Medical Staff comes out and tells us there's nothing to worry about. It's almost impossible not to worry about injuries with that type of player (high priced, reckless, drives to the basket, leaves his feet etc) and then you add in the fact he's already had some problems and it gets real scary. But healthy, I think he's a superstar in the making and that makes it worth the gamble to me. I'd rather strike out swinging for the fences than while caught looking.

Steve

 

[Phrazbit]

More about the Hibbert for Dragic talk.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....hibbert-to-suns-in-exchange-for-goran-dragic/

One line of particular note is Dragic apparently saying he'd be interested in playing for Indy. I don't hold any ill will for him saying so, its not in any player's best interest to limit their potential horizons... however, I cannot imagine the feces storm that Bledsoe would have gotten from some around here had he made a similar comment leading up to his free agency.

 

[BC867]

But healthy, I think he's a superstar in the making and that makes it worth the gamble to me. I'd rather strike out swinging for the fences than while caught looking.

Steve

A superstar who could lead the team to high playoff contention . . . or one who is flashy and puts on a show?

I think part of the consideration on this board is the latter. It fits the Suns tradition. Every team needs a flashy "star". I was just hoping that, as part of our rebuilding, we could take the next step.

 

[Chaplin]

More about the Hibbert for Dragic talk.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....hibbert-to-suns-in-exchange-for-goran-dragic/

One line of particular note is Dragic apparently saying he'd be interested in playing for Indy. I don't hold any ill will for him saying so, its not in any player's best interest to limit their potential horizons... however, I cannot imagine the feces storm that Bledsoe would have gotten from some around here had he made a similar comment leading up to his free agency.

Well, the situations ARE different. Dragic isn't a free agent this summer. Context means everything, just like with Bledsoe's "using free agency against me" quote.

 

[Mainstreet]

Dragic has earned my respect while Bledsoe has yet to prove he wants to be a Sun. That is a big difference between the two. I remember when the Suns traded Dragic for Aaron Brooks. This was a downer trade but I don't remember Dragic complaining. Then Dragic forgets the past and returns to the Suns as a free agent. He has earned the benefit of a doubt in my book.

 

[AzStevenCal]

A superstar who could lead the team to high playoff contention . . . or one who is flashy and puts on a show?

I think part of the consideration on this board is the latter. It fits the Suns tradition. Every team needs a flashy "star". I was just hoping that, as part of our rebuilding, we could take the next step.

He has a bigger impact on defense than offense. How many superstars can you say that about that fit your description of "flashy"?

Steve

 

[JCSunsfan]

A superstar who could lead the team to high playoff contention . . . or one who is flashy and puts on a show?

I think part of the consideration on this board is the latter. It fits the Suns tradition. Every team needs a flashy "star". I was just hoping that, as part of our rebuilding, we could take the next step.

I think you are wrong on that. Bledsoe is substance on the court. He plays on both ends of the court. He is tough. He scores in crunch time. I know this is anathema here, but I think Goran's game is more "flashy" than Bledsoe. The best outcome, by far, of this whole situation is for Bledsoe to sign here and be happy.

BTW, the impact of perimeter defense is significantly underrated.

 

[Superbone]

More about the Hibbert for Dragic talk.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....hibbert-to-suns-in-exchange-for-goran-dragic/

One line of particular note is Dragic apparently saying he'd be interested in playing for Indy. I don't hold any ill will for him saying so, its not in any player's best interest to limit their potential horizons... however, I cannot imagine the feces storm that Bledsoe would have gotten from some around here had he made a similar comment leading up to his free agency.

I'm not sure how you got that from that bad translation. "who he’s interest in Indiana, a transfer from probably nothing will". It wasn't even a translation of Dragic's words but rather the writer of the article. If I had to guess, he probably said something like he's flattered and Indiana is a good team.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I'm not sure how you got that from that bad translation. "who he’s interest in Indiana, a transfer from probably nothing will". It wasn't even a translation of Dragic's words but rather the writer of the article. If I had to guess, he probably said something like he's flattered and Indiana is a good team.

I don't know how anyone could get that idea either but I also saw that interpretation elsewhere, as part of a headline IIRC, so maybe there was more to the story.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

Although not directly related I have wondered if Bledsoe's agent is waiting for the Greg Monroe contract situation to play out. If the Pistons cave further on his contract offer, then might Bledsoe what a similar deal. Of course both agents may be waiting for the other to act first.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Although not directly related I have wondered if Bledsoe's agent is waiting for the Greg Monroe contract situation to play out. If the Pistons cave further on his contract offer, then might Bledsoe what a similar deal. Of course both agents may be waiting for the other to act first.

It's possible but my guess is that Paul is simply trying to mimic and perhaps outdo Falk.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

It's possible but my guess is that Paul is simply trying to mimic and perhaps outdo Falk.

Steve

However, I believe Monroe is in a better position at the moment because he already has a substantial contract offer on the table and I believe he does not have a history of injury (?). I think Monroe can run a better bluff at playing for the QO. I do think Bledsoe will want what Monroe gets if he signs a new contract. However, the Suns may choose not to up their offer offer much more than what they already have on the table.

 

[AzStevenCal]

However, I believe Monroe is in a better position at the moment because he already has a substantial contract offer on the table and I believe he does not have a history of injury (?). I think Monroe can run a better bluff at playing for the QO. I do think Bledsoe will want what Monroe gets if he signs a new contract. However, the Suns may choose not to up their offer offer much more than what they already have on the table.

Does he? I don't think we really know what's gone on behind closed doors. This latest supposed offer to Monroe was denied by Greg but I don't think we even know what's happened with Bledsoe. But yes, injuries don't seem to be much of a concern with Monroe. If a potential suitor cares only about attendance, Monroe is a much better choice than Eric.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

Does he? I don't think we really know what's gone on behind closed doors. This latest supposed offer to Monroe was denied by Greg but I don't think we even know what's happened with Bledsoe. But yes, injuries don't seem to be much of a concern with Monroe. If a potential suitor cares only about attendance, Monroe is a much better choice than Eric.

Steve

I have seen reported that the Pistons have offered Monroe 54 million over 4 years. This seems to be true. Now there are rumors that Monroe was offered 60 million over 5 years which Monroe denies.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I have seen reported that the Pistons have offered Monroe 54 million over 4 years. This seems to be true. Now there are rumors that Monroe was offered 60 million over 5 years which Monroe denies.

And yet, for a few days, this seemed to be true too. There is another issue involving rumors and Monroe, that being he doesn't want to return to the Pistons if Smith is still there. Maybe it's not true, maybe it is, but all we really get are rumors. The absence of a denial suggests there's some truth to the 48 for Bledsoe, 80 demand by agent and 54 offer from Detroit but we don't really know. How many times after the fact have we heard GM's deny every rumor and report that circulated while things were in flux?

Steve