Phoenix Suns’ Eric Bledsoe One More Step to Qualifying Offer

Mar 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Suns 115-99. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It has been an ongoing story throughout the NBA offseason as thePhoenix Sunsand guard,Eric Bledsoe, have yet to work out a long-term deal. Bledsoe, a restricted free agent, has been asking for a max contract while the Suns have only offered 4-year, $48M. The Suns current offer is comparable to players likeTy LawsonandKyle Lowry.

The Suns have not changed their stance nor has Eric Bledsoe and his agent. Then, there have been talks about Bledsoe signing a 1-year qualifying offer with the Suns which would allow Bledsoe to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The only thing about the qualifying offer is that you have to play out this next season and, whether you perform good or bad, will determine how much money you will get in free agency.

There is another player who has been in the same boat as Bledsoe this offseason and that has beenGreg Monroeof theDetroit Pistons. Monroe did not like what he was being offered by the Pistons and has been holding out ever since…until now.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sportstweeted saying Monroe has signed the qualifying offer with Detroit:

This now leaves Bledsoe in a tough spot. Should he follow Monroe’s footsteps and take the qualifying offer or give in to a lesser contract? Taking the qualifying offer for Bledsoe is much more risky than it is for Monroe because of Bledsoe’s injury history. If Bledsoe was to get hurt this season after taking the qualifying offer, he would get much less money than what the Suns have been offering this offseason.

A day later, a new report comes out fromAdrian Wojnarowskiabout Bledsoe and his agent still refusing to adjust their stance:

Heck, evenLeBron Jameshad a slight opinion on the Eric Bledsoe situation. On James’Instagrampage, James posted a picture of him with Eric Bledsoe and stating:

"“Great work today lil bro @ebled2!! Future All-Star in this league in no time. PHX break bread. #Klutch #Work #GymRats #StriveForGreatness”"

There really is not too much you can take out of this short phrase except for “PHX break bread.” This most likely means James thinks Bledsoe is worth a max contract.

Now, there has been a lot of reports here and there about Bledsoe but nothing has really changed this entire summer. Hopefully, for the Phoenix Suns and Eric Bledsoe, something can get worked out soon. Otherwise, it will be a very awkward situation between the two parties for the duration of this season.

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