Ranking every Phoenix Suns asset based on tradability
By Adam Maynes
3. Eric Bledsoe
(Trade Value: A)
As has been discussed on numerous occasions, Eric Bledsoe is far outperforming his $12M a year contract, especially since that deal was signed before the expansion of the salary cap, meaning that the hit on the cap in terms of percentage of space his contract takes up is far less than it was when signed – and far less than players who have signed big contracts after the cap increased. Bledsoe is also signed through the 2018-19 season and will only be 29 when that season ends so will be well within his prime and able to demand a long term contract when that happens. This all means that playoff teams that need a veteran point guard have – and will continue to – call the Suns to acquire about Eric Bledsoe, and Ryan McDonough can ask for a lot in return.
However, as much as that is an advantage for another team, the same advantage is held by the Suns. Phoenix has no need to trade Bledsoe just for the sake of trading him and since he is still only 27-years-old they can hold out for the right trade offer, or make no trade at all. This too drives up his value because a team that desperately needs him knows that Phoenix does not need to take him off their roster, meaning Ryan McDonough will receive maximum value in return should he decide to make such a move.