5. Should the Suns trade Bledsoe, or keep him with Knight in the backcourt?
Bourguet: Depends on what they’re trading him for. If they’re trading him just to dump him because they like Knight better, that would make no sense. Bledsoe is still only 25 years old, he just barely finished his first full season as an NBA starter and he’s the kind of two-way terror any team would enjoy having. However, if the Suns can package him in a deal that brings a bonafide superstar to the Valley, no one on this team should be off limits.
Chasen: It depends. If the Suns can trade Bledsoe as part of a deal for like, DeMarcus Cousins, then I am completely in favor of it. But otherwise I would say no. I think a lot of Suns fans may not realize how good Bledsoe is because of the depth of the point guard position in the NBA.
Overall, he’s just a really, really good player. He’d be a borderline All-Star in the East, and even though he has his flaws (turnovers, deep shooting, etc.), he’s still recognized as elite in the categories of defense and athleticism. Those things matter.
Hann: This is such an intriguing dynamic because of the power forward position. If the Suns can somehow snag Aldridge or Kevin Love this offseason then I believe you hang on to Bledsoe and see what him and Knight can do with a true superstar around them. However, should Phoenix fail at bringing in a talented big through free agency, the only other way to acquire one is through trade. Their best trade chip? Bledsoe.
Sanders: I believe the Suns should trade Bledsoe and let Knight run the show at point. From what I have observed the last two years covering the team, Bledsoe is not a leader or a guy that others will follow. That’s not a knock on him as he is a good player that has potential to continue growing, but the bottom line is if he is your best player or a guy you count on as a leader then your team isn’t going far.
I think the Suns realize that and are dipping their toes in the water to see what his value is on the trade market. If it’s high and they get back multiple pieces of quality talent then I think McDonough should pull the trigger.
Harris: Personally, I would keep Bledsoe if I were the Suns, simply because he is young (25) and he is clearly the best player on the team. But with Knight likely being re-signed, along with the fact that the Suns have roster needs, one could make an argument for the Suns to trade Bledsoe…… to the right team. That means NOT the New York Knicks, who don’t have any valuable trade chips, but possibly some other team who could actually offer some decent NBA players in return.
Next: Phoenix Suns: Top 10 Free Agency Targets