Phoenix Suns general manager Ryan McDonough questioned the leadership of Eric Bledsoe and the advice Bledsoe is getting from his agent, Rich Paul, who also represents notable players such as LeBron James, John Wall and rookie Ben Simmons. In an interview on Arizona Sports radio 98.7 on Tuesday, McDonough further addressed Bledsoe’s tweet on Sunday that read, “I don’t wanna be here.” The tweet was posted moments before the organization fired coach Earl Watson. “I was certainly surprised by it and disappointed by it,” McDonough said. “I think Eric’s a good person. I think he’s unfortunately gotten some bad advice and is listening to the wrong people. I think generally, any time you sign a contract, it doesn’t only work one way. It works both ways, and for a guy with years on his contract to say or intimate he didn’t want to be here anymore, I didn’t find that to be appropriate, and I think if he says he wants to be a leader, that’s the opposite of what a leader does and the opposite of what leadership is. So I think that’s all I’m going to say about that.”
More on Eric Bledsoe Trade?
“I think, just my opinion, the shift comes from contractual demands made by his representatives,” McDonough said of Bledsoe's desire to move on, “and that’s what I was referring to when I said I think he got bad advice.”
“If you can imagine, my phone was ringing a lot yesterday,” McDonough said. “The ideal time to get a deal done is whenever the best offer presents itself. So we’d be fine doing it sooner rather than later. At the same time, he’s under contract for this year plus next year. We sent him away from the team to eliminate that distraction. So we’re willing to do a deal, we’re open to do a deal whenever the best offer presents itself.”
What about the Eric Bledsoe situation? We’re all assuming he’s done in Phoenix. Alan Williams: Bled is my homeboy and I want the best for him. Would hate to see him go, but I know that it is a business and things happen. A Bledsoe move might involve other Phoenix players too. Does that have an impact on team atmosphere? (If you’re not keeping track, Porzingis is 1 of 12 now. Rough night). Alan Williams: The thought of players moving hasn’t impacted us. We are a strong, resilient group and stay together through whatever. (And yeah man, 82 games you’re bound to have a couple you aren’t too proud of).
Sources say the Knicks found the Suns’ request of a Ntilikina/Hernangomez package as “ridiculous.’’ Ntilikina, 19, was to miss his second straight game Tuesday against the Celtics with a sprained ankle – his rookie experience marred by injuries so far dating to the summer league in July.
TJ McBride: My eyes confirm that Rich Paul, agent of Eric Bledsoe, is at the Pepsi Center spending time with Tim Connelly before taking on the Wizards.
The Suns and Denver Nuggets have discussed a trade of Eric Bledsoe for Emmanuel Mudiay and other pieces, league sources told Basketball Insiders. Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried has emerged as part of the trade package with Mudiay, league sources told Basketball Insiders.
My question is, why aren't the Suns better? They have a decent team, they're young, they've had a consistent team, no big moves, "deep" lineup, no major flaws. So why are they a 24-58 team? David Aldridge: The short answer to his question, though, is found in that firing. There isn’t anyone outside Phoenix’s management that thinks the Suns’ awful, awful start -- 0 and 3 out of the gate, including 48- and 42-point shellackings by the Blazers and Clippers, respectively -- is just Watson’s fault. Ownership, in the form of Robert Sarver, and management, in the form of GM Ryan McDonough, will be on their third head coach together since the improbable 48-34 season of 2013-14. They’re the ones that have traded Goran Dragic and Isaiah Thomas, and gave Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight $70 million extensions, and gave Tyson Chandler $52 million (yes, in pursuit of LaMarcus Aldridge, but gambles that don’t pay off aren’t celebrated), and have seen none of their Lottery picks look like budding superstars yet. And they’re the reason, I’m told, that Bledsoe wants out. Bledsoe’s “I Dont wanna be here” tweet, posted Sunday afternoon, just before news of Watson’s firing broke, was not directed at Watson, a source said. Yet another source that’s been around the team put more blame -- 70 percent, the source said -- on Watson.
Suns general manager Ryan McDonough is actively engaged with several teams in trade talks for Bledsoe, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, and the team hopes to find a deal soon. Interest around the NBA has increased in the past day for Bledsoe, once it became apparent that both sides are motivated to part ways, sources told Wojnarowski.
Bledsoe arranged a meeting with team owner Robert Sarver and McDonough during the preseason and requested a trade, league sources told ESPN. Sources said Bledsoe has voiced his frustrated with the direction of the team.
Eric Bledsoe : Good morning
The Suns will surely listen if and when suitors call for Eric Bledsoe. They've explored the possibility of moving off Jared Dudley and Tyson Chandler, sources say, though they likely feel no urgency to dump them; Phoenix remains just under the salary floor.
Multiple sources suggested, the Cavs could have gone the LeBron-friendly route, dealing Irving to the Suns for Klutch Sports client Eric Bledsoe and a versatile wing such as Josh Jackson or T.J. Warren. League sources have consistently stated that the Suns wouldn’t include Jackson, however.
The Suns would be willing to trade Eric Bledsoe as part of a deal for Irving, even if Irving makes no commitment. But they would not want to include rookie Josh Jackson in that deal, assuming Irving keeps his options open. The Cavs would love shooting guard Devin Booker, but he is as close to untouchable as anyone on the Suns roster.
The Suns would be willing to trade Eric Bledsoe as part of a deal for Irving, even if Irving makes no commitment. But they would not want to include rookie Josh Jackson in that deal, assuming Irving keeps his options open. The Cavs would love shooting guard Devin Booker, but he is as close to untouchable as anyone on the Suns roster.
Then there’s the question of whether Bledsoe wants to remain in Phoenix. He has embraced the Valley, saying, “I love everything about it.” But as he told azcentral sports Sunday, “At the same time I want to win.”
At 27, Bledsoe doesn’t fit into the Suns’ youth movement, or #timeline, as it’s been coined on social media. He said he “definitely feels” like an old man among his teammates. Then there was this response when asked what he thought of the Suns’ offseason: “We got Josh Jackson. James Jones (in the front office). But for the most part, I don’t care,” he said. “Whatever team we have at training I’m going to play my heart out for. I just control what I can control. Getting better every time I step onto the floor.”
As the Knicks continue to look for a point guard this offseason, Brandon Knight is one name that came up in conversation with Phoenix recently, per league sources. The Knicks also talked to Phoenix about Eric Bledsoe, league sources confirmed.
A source told The Post the Knicks inquired about Phoenix point guard Eric Bledsoe, whom Jeff Hornacek coached in Phoenix. Bledsoe is 27 with two years and $29 million left on his pact. The Knicks don’t have many trade chips except a future first-round pick and starting shooting guard Courtney Lee.
The Bulls talked to Phoenix about a package centered around Eric Bledsoe and the No. 4 pick, but nothing came close, according to league sources.
Michael Scotto: Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns have discussed a trade featuring the No. 16 pick and Eric Bledsoe league sources told Basketball Insiders.
The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns have held discussions on a trade that would send point guard Emmanuel Mudiay and the No. 13 pick in Thursday's NBA draft for point guard Eric Bledsoe, league sources told ESPN. However, sources described the dialogue as "fluid."
Minnesota, Sacramento and Detroit, sources say, have all reached out to Phoenix in an attempt to gauge the price tag of its 27-year-old starting point guard who posted career highs of 21.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists last season.
Gery Woelfel: Hearing Suns are still trying hard to make a major splash with a package of No. 4 pick and Eric Bledsoe. That would indeed be a major splash
If the Suns take De'Aaron Fox at 4, then they got someone to bite on a Eric Bledsoe trade. Denver & Chicago were engaged with them today. If they can't swing a deal, Josh Jackson is a more likely pick at 4 ... if he's there.
The Suns are feeling the heat and would love to make an impactful move. That’s why they’re exploring a slew of trade scenarios, one that involved their No. 4 pick and veteran guards Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight.
Gerald Bourguet: Woj just said on the Dan Patrick show the #Suns wouldn't take De'Aaron Fox at No. 4 unless they had a trade for Bledsoe lined up
That leaves the Celtics, Suns and Timberwolves as teams with top-seven picks and other assets in the form of either young players or future first-round picks to move the needle on the Butler talks. The Suns, who own the fourth pick, are trying to offload the two years and $29 million remaining on Eric Bledsoe's deal as part of any trade package, sources said.
Suns sources continue to deny that there is a lot of interest in moving Bledsoe, but eventually, the team has to embrace their youth, which is why so many opposing teams believe Bledsoe can be had.
The Mavs have no interest in paying "trade-market value'' for Rubio or for Phoenix point Eric Bledsoe ... though on Draft Night, their price might be at an all-time low because picks are golden right then, moreso than players.
McDonough might not actively dangle Bledsoe on the market. “He’s really come a long way,” McDonough said. “Look, I think he’s just starting to enter his prime at 27 years old.” The Suns will “more likely look at add players to help him and Devin (Booker) and help our young core grow,” the GM added.
The Nuggets are quietly exploring what they might get for Emmanuel Mudiay and multiple picks, sources say, but they're in no rush to move Mudiay, and the Suns may not want him when they could simply draft a point guard. There aren't that many teams with a need at the position, and not much reason to exchange Bledsoe for another established guy -- say, Reggie Jackson or Ricky Rubio -- unless the other team includes a pretty damned good pick to sweeten the pot.
The Suns are resisting after watching Bledsoe's growth over the last six weeks. "This is the best I've ever seen him play," said Ryan McDonough, the team's GM. "The learning curve for point guards is steep. We think Eric will play better in his late 20s and early 30s, right as Devin is entering his prime." Watson is more blunt: "I can almost guarantee Devin and Eric will be on the same team next year," he said.
Gambadoro said Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker would not be in the deal. Bledsoe and Cousins were teammates at the University of Kentucky.
Still, the Suns did not flip a coveted Lakers pick for Knight, and then pay him $14 million per season, to be a backup. The league is cool on Knight now, but given the dearth of wings, the Suns might find a palatable trade market if Knight starts strong. (There is no indication that they have any interest in trading Bledsoe right now, sources say.)
Jake Fischer: Phoenix exec on Eric Bledsoe rumors: "All false."
Marc Stein: The growing sense in league circles is that the Suns are determined to move either Bledsoe or Brandon Knight before the start of next season
Another young veteran who will be firmly on the trading block is Eric Bledsoe of the Suns, as Phoenix seeks to rebalance its guard-heavy roster and hopes to add frontcourt help. The Suns have interest in drafting point guard Kris Dunn of Providence with the No. 4 pick, which would give them a rookie to develop while cashing in on Bledsoe’s value.
Aran Smith: Another PHX rumor: Rich Paul will push to have Eric Bledsoe moved this offseason putting Kris Dunn in play at 4 as well.
In this case, Suns source openly laughed at the notion of trading Bledsoe. That’s not to say that a home run type trade wouldn’t turn the situation, because that is true of virtually 95 percent of the league, but to characterize the Suns as looking to trade Bledsoe couldn’t be further from the truth.
Blazers GM Neil Olshey drafted Eric Bledsoe, but the Suns aren’t interested in dealing Bledsoe, per several league sources, and the Bledsoe–Damian Lillard pairing might leave both players frustrated.
The Kings, one source said, are expected to express interest in Bledsoe. While Sacramento has been buried in rumors involving center DeMarcus Cousins, a league executive said the Kings have been far more focused on improving the point guard position. The Kings started Darren Collison at the position, but would like to move him into a backup role. And if Sacramento keeps Cousins, bringing in his former Kentucky teammate and good friend surely would help to keep him happy.
Marc Stein: That Suns will seriously explore their Eric Bledsoe trade options if they indeed strikes the deal w/B-Knight that @Gery Woelfel is reporting
Chris Broussard: Sources say no talks happening between Knicks and Suns regarding EBledsoe/no. 4 pick
The Suns had talks with the Knicks about dealing the fourth pick for point guard Eric Bledsoe and the No. 13 pick, but Phoenix has not been limited to the Knicks in that regard. The Suns have been dangling Bledsoe in trade offers this offseason and are likely to continue to do so after the draft if Bledsoe is not moved this week, sources confirmed.
