NBA Rumors: Trade Rumblings on Eric Bledsoe and More Before Market Opens
With LeBron James, Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and more on the Association's open market, free agency promises to be a wild affair unlike many others in the past.
Granted, some trips to the market—like James' trip—will prove mere formalities before the star player re-ups with his old team.
Even better, keep in mind it's important to throw in a dash of trades, too, as front offices won't restrict themselves to upgrading via the market in the coming weeks—not with some teams wanting to unload players others may find useful. One man's trash is, well, the old saying applies.
With the market opening on July 1, it's important to take a step back and look at the latest about some important names and potential trades.
The Market's Underrated Star Gets Attention
Look, many may not be familiar with the name Tobias Harris, which happens when a budding star plays for a rebuilding team such as the Orlando Magic.
At just 22 years old, though, it's important to keep tabs on the former Tennessee star. Teams in need sure are.
According to Shams Charania of RealGM, two teams sit as favorites in the sweepstakes: "As Orlando restricted free agent Tobias Harris will pursue a maximum-level offer sheet on July 1 that the Magic possibly won’t match, the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics have emerged as leading candidates for the talented forward, league sources told RealGM."
Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix shares how the league feels about Harris from a financial standpoint:
Harris deserves to be a hot commodity, even if he doesn't tout the name-recognition qualities of some of his peers set to hit the market. Last year, he posted averages of 17.1 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 47 percent from the floor.
The biggest appeal with Harris comes in the upside department. It explains why a team such as the Detroit Pistons, in need of an upgrade despite the drafting of Stanley Johnson, would show interest. Ditto for the Boston Celtics, where Harris would surpass Evan Turner and a hodgepodge of others.
Some may throw around "overpaid" accusations once Harris puts ink to paper, but it's clear teams don't view immense upside and youth in terms of numbers. Look for it to evolve into one of the more interesting bidding wars.
David West's Market
On the opposite end of the spectrum, teams might not put a number on veteran experience capable of pushing teams in the right direction, either.
Former Indiana Pacers star David West surprised many by getting out of his contract and heading to the market this offseason.
One team he appears to like? The New York Knicks, a team looking for win-now pieces after taking a long-term outlook with Kristaps Porzingis on draft day. ESPN's Marc Stein reported the nugget:
West might be going on 35 years old, but he averaged 11.7 points and 6.8 boards per game last season, showing he can still produce in a lineup. When it comes to the Knicks, perhaps more important is the positive influence he could have by taking a rookie under his wing.
Stein later emphasized how important the veteran is for the Knicks:
The thing is, West is the kind of player who might not last very long on the market. Other teams figure to make him a priority—not a backup plan. He's the type of veteran contenders view as a missing piece and will treat him as such, while rebuilding teams will overpay for what he can bring on the court and to young players.
With it safe to presume West wants to win titles before he hangs up the sneakers, the Knicks might need to be fast about the courtship—they won't be alone in the pursuit.
Eric Bledsoe Trade?
With the selection of Kentucky guard Devin Booker in last week's draft, it seems the Phoenix Suns are ready for more shuffling in the backcourt.
The team would like to keep point guard Brandon Knight around, which means a cloud continues to linger over Eric Bledsoe's future with the franchise. Stein reported rumblings suggesting the front office will wait for things to go final with Knight before hitting the phones:
Just 25 years old, Bledsoe posted averages of 17.0 points, 6.1 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game last year, so the Suns must like the roster around him if they are looking for a deal.
The thing is, it's hard to know how others feel about the Kentucky product. He's a budding star but one due $13.5 million or more in each of the next four seasons, per Spotrac.com.
It seems like an eye-of-the-beholder situation. Point guard remains the most important position in the Association these days, so a team in love with a score-first threat such as Bledsoe might be willing to bite the financial bullet to make a deal work.
If not, the Suns will need to lower expectations when it comes to a return. Dumping the contract and freeing up the rotation comes at a price but perhaps not the one they would like given the circumstances.
Among other rumors, the situation surrounding Bledsoe sticks out as one of the most interesting. It's something to keep an eye on as the weeks progress.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
