Number 5: Eric Bledsoe to the Timberwolves
This is a pretty straight-forward trade. The Suns get a top-8 pick this year, most likely in the 5-7 range. They also get a big contract in Pekovic, who with so many injury problems, would probably be cut immediately. That top-8 pick could translate into another good young piece for the Suns, perhaps the likes of Lauri Markannen, Johnathan Isaac, or Jayson Tatum – if it isn’t packaged to make a push back into the top-3 to possibly snag Josh Jackson.
Bledsoe makes the Timberwolves a playoff team, even in the West. Bledsoe can focus on his defense and playmaking more, as he will join three young players who all averaged around 20 points a game last year. Since Bledsoe is an established veteran player the Wolves theb can either trade Rubio or move him to the bench, a role he may excel in. Financially the two teams also swap $12 million of basically wasted space in Pekovic, for $12 million of an All-Star level point guard.
The Suns have the option to trade Eric Bledsoe this off-season, and there is certainly no shortage of teams that would love to have a point guard like him on their team. The option to trade him though all depends on when the Suns pick in the draft, and who they’re in position to take. If Ball or Fultz are available, Bledsoe will most likely be on his way out.