Sounds like Eric and his agent believe the Suns being vocal about matching any offer is somehow using the rules against him. It's an odd way to look at it IMO, but he must believe that he'd have gotten a better offer otherwise and thinks the Suns scared off any potential deals. It's just an uninformed opinion being we have little to no information to go with, but it looks like his agent has him convinced he is worth more and that theere are teams out there willing to pay it if not for the the Suns making them believe it's a waste of their time to sign him to the offer. Who knows, he might have been correct? I hardly see that as a reason to hold a grudge, but with these young entitled minds I can imagine it's very possible they do. Just looking at 31 year olds Frye's comments and twisting of logic, it's not hard to believe a much younger Bledsoe with all the hype that has surrounded him will not see this as the Suns screwing him out of what he deserves.
It's time for the owners to fight for a contract system more like the NFL's A system where they are able to cut much easier. Maybe if these deals had less guaranteed money. A syste where they had to fight with the same zeal they did coming into the league. I know the rookie deals have been more structured to that of late, but the amounts these guys get in this league is insane and there seems to be little appreciation of which there should be an abundance and lots of entitlement of which their needs to be little. I know, that's a different conversation.
I'm sure the Suns at this point have been discussing possible sign and trade scenarios and have all their plan B,C, and D's laid out. As stupid as it would be for Eric to leave the $48 million guaranteed and play for his tender to look for a deal next summer, it's looking like it may be a real possibility in his mind. That's just a guess, but if he really believes he is entitled to a max deal and it's the Suns fault he did not get that offer, I wouldn't put anything past him. He will not only be able to deny any trade, but his value will be very little under those circumstances and unless the Suns are able to sign and trade him to a team next summer, which of course will also be in his court, they could likely lose him for nothing.
IMO it's time to work with Eric's agent to find a team that wants him and has something of value to send back. It's reached the point where what he is paid is no longer relevant. The potential loss to too great to gamble any further with this situation. I'm all for being patient as I've said over and over again in all issues, but with this one I think it's time to end the bluff and play the best hand they have.
