The Phoenix Suns will move on from playmaker Eric Bledsoe, who was sent home by the team following his meeting with the front office on Monday. Chris Haynes of ESPN reported that Bledsoe met with Suns general manager Ryan McDonough and interim coach Jay Triano to discuss the point guard’s “I don’t wanna be here” tweet. After their meeting, the Suns sent Bledsoe home. According to McDonough, Bledsoe will not be with the team moving forward. During the meeting, sources said the point guard has voiced his frustration with the direction of the team.
The organization, for its part, claimed that the Suns haven’t improved since he became the main playmaker of the team, instead of giving the reins to younger players.
With regards to the point guard’s controversial tweet, McDonough said Bledsoe explained that he was in a hair salon with his wife and it was not related to the Suns. However, McDonough said he doubted Bledsoe’s claim. The decision to part ways with Bledsoe came one day after the Suns fired Earl Watson as head coach after a 0-3 start. In a corresponding move, the Suns promoted associate head coach Triano as interim coach.
Suns engaged in trade talks for Bledsoe
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, McDonough is actively engaged in trade discussions with other squads for Bledsoe.
Several teams have expressed interest in acquiring Bledsoe, with the New York Knicks leading the pack, according to Ian Begley of ESPN. Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders reported that the Suns want Knicks' rookie point guard Frank Ntlikina and Willy Hernangomez for Bledsoe. Scotto added that the Denver Nuggets expressed interest in trading their playmaker Emmanuel Mudiay and other pieces for Bledsoe.
The Milwaukee Bucks are also exploring the possibility of trading for Bledsoe. The Suns are also offering Bledsoe to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for their 2018 first-round pick that they acquired in the Kyrie Irving trade with the Boston Celtics.
Bledsoe subject of trade rumors in preseason
In the offseason, Bledsoe’s name was mentioned several times in trade rumors.
It was reported that the Cavaliers were willing to trade Irving to the Suns for Bledsoe and rookie Josh Jackson. However, the Suns did not give in as they plan to make Jackson the team’s cornerstone in the future. This season,the playmaker is averaging 15.7 points and three assists for the Suns. In his career, the 27-year-old playmaker averaged 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game in 421 career outings.
