Valley of the Suns
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Bledsoe Trade Rumors

By Steve Miner

Phoenix Suns Eric Bledsoe (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns Eric Bledsoe (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Denver Nuggets

HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 5: Emmanuel Mudiay #0 of the Denver Nuggets passes the ball against the Houston Rockets on April 5, 2017 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 5: Emmanuel Mudiay #0 of the Denver Nuggets passes the ball against the Houston Rockets on April 5, 2017 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

According to Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders, the Nuggets have discussed a potential trade for Bledsoe involving Emmanuel Mudiay and Kenneth Faried.

There are parts to like about this for both teams. Denver needs improvement at the point guard position as it looks to make the step toward contending for the playoffs. Mudiay, who lost the starting role to a younger Jamal Murray this season, has potential and fits the Suns’ timeline at only 21-years-old. He can struggle to hit shots and make decisions in transition, but the latter in particular can improve with maturity. His ability to facilitate and to score in ISO situations shows that he will likely develop into a solid NBA point guard.

The Kenneth Faried aspect of this trade makes me less excited. He’s 27-years-old and is no longer a central part of Denver’s rotation. He also has $12.9 million remaining this season and $13.7 remaining next season on his contract. That’s not a ton, but it’s not something I’m thrilled about, either.

Overall, I like the idea of Mudiay, but I’m not sure he’s worth Bledsoe. I like him less if he’s coupled with Faried. Faried’s a good player, he just doesn’t fit the Suns’ overall goals. He adds much more value to a team that is contending and needs his particular skillset than he does to a team in need of long-term assets.

If I’m the Suns, I’m either asking what else the Nuggets can provide besides Faried, or I’m seeing if they can throw in a draft pick as well, since it seems like they’re pretty desperate to unload him. If not, then I’m probably looking elsewhere.

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