NBA GM Talks Eric Bledsoe, Greg Monroe

Mar 28, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) stands on the court during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at US Airways Center. The Suns won 112-88. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Recently, there have been plenty of rumors about possible trade scenarios involving restricted free agents, Eric Bledsoe and Greg Monroe. Whether if there are any legitimacy to these rumors is a whole different story. Regardless, the hype seems to have been rising for a possible trade (or two) to occur with these restricted free agents instead of just playing for the qualifying offer.

With these trade rumors also comes an NBA General Manager who states something quite different.

From Sean Deveney of Sporting News (via Probasketballtalk.com):

"“I think any one of us would be wary of getting involved in a trade for either player,” the GM said. “Their teams overvalue them in terms of making trades, they don’t want to give them away for nothing. There’s no reason to give up significant assets for players who probably will be available next summer. That doesn’t mean a deal can’t get done, but it is complicated.” …Both Monroe and Bledsoe are said to want deals in the range of five years and the maximum, but Bledsoe is being offered four years and $48 million. Monroe denied a report he was offered five years, $60 million by Detroit. Teams are, naturally, not eager to shell out that kind of money while also giving up players."

This GM brings reality back to the Phoenix Suns unfortunately. It would be a win for the Suns if they could trade Bledsoe and get something in return even if the value coming back was less than what they had hoped for. This is because no NBA team will give up a ton for a player who, most likely, will be available next summer.

Even for Eric Bledsoe, it would be ideal for a sign-and-trade to occur so he could still get his max money. If Bledsoe decides to sign the qualifying offer with the Suns, then he is taking a risk of his own. Bledsoe could have an injury during the year that would diminish his free agent value significantly or he could just have an overall poor year on the court.

For Bledsoe, there is no real gain in taking the qualifying offer and playing out the year. At best, he has another solid season and is offered a large and possibly a max contract in the offseason.

That is taking a chance, though. A very large one at that.

This story has been dragging on all summer for the Suns and seems like it will continue for a little while longer. Hopefully, by the end of all this drama, the Suns are not left empty-handed. Hopefully…