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NBA Trade Rumors: High-Profile Players In Dire Need Of A Trade

By Maxwell Ogden

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 15: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings during the basketball game agains the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center March 15, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 15: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings during the basketball game agains the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center March 15, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Dec 1, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns

Position: Point Guard
Age: 26 (12/9/1989)
2016-17 Salary: $14,000,000
Slash Line: .453/.372/.802
Season Averages: 34.2 MPG, 20.4 PPG, 6.1 APG, 4.0 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 1.5 3PM

The Phoenix Suns have a triumvirate of remarkably talented guards in Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker, and Brandon Knight. Bledsoe and Knight have performed at star-caliber levels during their respective NBA careers, but only one can rationally remain.

According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Suns are determined to move either Bledsoe or Knight before the start of the 2016-17 season.

Booker played at a high enough level in 2015-16 that he’s earned the opportunity to start on a full-time basis in 2016-17, thus calling for either Bledsoe or Knight to be moved.

Bledsoe is a two-way force of nature who was well on his way to his first career All-Star Game appearance this past season. Unfortunately, he missed 52 games due to injury in 2015-16, which followed his missing 39 games in 2013-14.

From Phoenix’s perspective, it stands to reason that Bledsoe’s inability to remain on the court is reason to trade him elsewhere.

As for Knight, Suns general manager Ryan McDonough recently implored fans to be patient with his development as one of the team’s featured players. In other words, Knight is a part of the Suns’ long-term plans.

Bledsoe would benefit from a fresh start with a team that can provide him with a starting role and some form of job security.

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