Eric Bledsoe has worn out his welcome in Arizona, and now the Phoenix Suns are looking to deal off the disgruntled guard. The imminent departure comes not long after the ballclub fired head coach Earl Watson.
According to AFP, Suns general manager Ryan McDonough said that Bledsoe has likely played his last game. The 27-year-old did not suit up for the Suns against the Sacramento Kings. Phoenix incidentally won, 117-115.
Twitter rant excuse unacceptable
The heat on Bledsoe actually started with that celebrated tweet following yet another blowout loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, 130-88.
It was the second game in three starts that the Suns were humiliated, the first one being their first game of the season against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Suns were ridiculed 124-76.
With a couple of blowout losses, it came to no surprise that Bledsoe would air off some steam. However, the timing was a bit off and something the Suns did not need. As things stand now, the controversial guard will join Watson out of Arizona.
Teams already inquiring
After learning of his impending departure, several teams have already expressed interest in the former first-round pick of the 2010 NBA Draft. So far, the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, and Milwaukee Bucks have sent feelers though nothing has progressed.
The Suns are reportedly interested in Willy Hernangomez and Frank Ntilikina for Bledsoe according to Ian Begley of ESPN. However, the Knicks are reportedly not inclined to deal off either player.
The Nuggets are exploring the possibility of cooking up a deal which would involve Emmanuel Mudiay. There is no word yet on who the Bucks could offer though adding Bledsoe could help ease the load currently on Giannis Antetokounmpo.
As of this writing, none of the teams have the lead on the former Kentucky Wildcat.
Bledsoe still struggling
So far, Bledsoe has not put up impressive numbers. In three games, he has averaged only 15.7 points. This pales in comparison to his usual numbers where he averaged more than 20 points per outing.
Bledsoe may still be trying to get his game back after being shut down for the remainder of last season.
He was battling knee soreness at the time and could be in the midst of getting back to playing shape.
Before that Twitter rant, Bledsoe was coming off a good season with the Suns. He had his best point average (21.1) and assists (6.3) during the 2016-17 NBA season and most were under the impression he was being groomed to be the team’s new leader.
Unfortunately, Bledsoe has grown tired of the losing. Even before the debacle, he was already reportedly asking for a trade according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7. After all the turmoil, it looks he will finally get that wish and start anew.
