The Phoenix Suns' focus as of this moment is on Devin Booker. He is the team's starting shooting guard and the face of the franchise. The Suns aim for him to develop and be more versatile. That is why in the upcoming season, Booker will share the point guard duties with the main man at the position, Eric Bledsoe.
In a report by azcentral late in September, Suns head coach Earl Watson shared his intention for Booker to take on the ball-handling duties at times in the new season. The 19-year-old had a taste of facilitating the offense during their previous campaign and thrived.
Now, they want him to continue doing it, which could mean Bledsoe's time in Phoenix is approaching its end.
Valley of the Suns suggested that a trade for Bledsoe might be close to materializing with Booker set to see action at the point guard position. According to the report, this may be the Suns' way of getting ready for "life after Bledsoe."
Bledsoe has been stellar for the Suns since he joined them via trade in 2013. He is one of their leaders and best players on the offensive end. However, now could be the right time to deal him away while he still has value on the market. Phoenix can use him as a trade asset to acquire a future pick/s or land a quality role player to improve the roster.
No Bledsoe, no problem
Bledsoe's potential departure will be difficult for Phoenix, though the organization would likely be alright if it lets go of the 27-year-old. Booker can be the new top option at point guard when Bledsoe is gone. Aside from him, the Suns have his fellow budding prospects Brandon Knight and Tyler Ullis.
Knight is a young veteran in the NBA.
He ended up in Phoenix after productive stints with the Detroit Pistons and the Milwaukee Bucks. He is known as a scorer, but can also create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Meanwhile, Ullis was the Suns' 34th pick in the 2016 draft. In his rookie year, he showed flashes of greatness.
Suns in action
The first time Booker, Bledsoe, and the Suns will be in action is on October 3 when they begin their preseason campaign on the road versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
Following this, they will have a two-game series with the Utah Jazz (October 6 and 9), a rematch with the Blazers (October 11), and a match-up against the Brisbane Bullets (October 13) of the National Basketball League.
Phoenix's 2017-18 regular season starts with a two-game homestand. On October 18, the Suns will meet the Blazers once again. Two days later, they will play the Los Angeles Lakers.
