NBA Trade Rumors: Ideal spots for Lonzo Ball, JJ Redick, Eric Bledsoe
By Dalton Sell
NBA Trade Rumors: Ideal spot for Eric Bledsoe – Chicago Bulls
Bledsoe was involved in one of the NBA’s blockbuster trades this offseason that sent him and a collection of assets to New Orleans in exchange for Jrue Holiday. After 18 games, it appears that the 31-year-old could be packing his bags once again, and the Chicago Bulls should be a legitimate option for the guard.
The Bulls have had trouble finding stability at the point guard position since they traded away Derrick Rose over four years ago. Since then, Chicago has not accumulated much success, and they are off to another rough start this year, currently sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with a 7-11 record. With the Bulls yet to find their answer at the point guard position, Bledsoe deserves some consideration.
First and foremost, the Bulls are not a good defensive team. Throughout the first 18 games of the season, they have the 27th ranked defensive rating in the entire association, which has undoubtedly hindered their success. Bledsoe, a two-time All-Defensive honoree, could provide some immediate help on that side of the ball.
Although starting shooting guard Zach LaVine is playing at a career-best level that could see him earn his first All-Star nod, his defensive shortcomings are still an issue. Bringing in Bledsoe would give the guard a defensive-minded running mate in that backcourt to help shade those issues. Along with Bledsoe’s defensive efforts, he plays serviceable basketball on the offensive end, averaging 13.9 points per game on .440/.400/.657 shooting splits.
While the fit is good statistically, the financial specifics make any potential suitors for the guard hesitant. In addition to the $16.9 million he will make this season, Bledsoe is on the books for $18 million next year and has a partially guaranteed salary of $19.4 million the following. Still, if the Chicago Bulls are looking to shore up their defensive efforts and tend to their point guard issues, Eric Bledsoe is there for the taking.