Uncertain days are ahead for the Milwaukee Bucks and Eric Bledsoe following yet another disappointing and rather early playoff exit in the 2020 NBA playoffs.
While superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status with the team remains the talk of the headlines, it seems like the fate of another Bucks starter is also in limbo.
Bucks point guard Eric Bledsoe has been reportedly put on the trading block following his disappearing act in the playoffs.
It’s a sudden change of heart for the Wisconsin-based franchise, considering they just gifted Eric Bledsoe a four-year, $70 million contract extension last year.
His numbers regressed in his third season for the Bucks, notching 14.9 points on 47.5 percent shooting from the field and 34.4 percent clip from distance, along with 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 61 regular season games.
Still, the 30-year-old speedster is considered a hot commodity for teams looking for fast guard who can run an up-tempo offense. Eric Bledsoe’s strength will always be his slashing ability and defensive prowess. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team last season. His improved 3-point stroke is also enticing for other teams.
However, the 6-foot-1 combo guard is not a go-to scorer, and would be better off playing as a 3rd or 4th option on offense. Here are four teams that should negotiate for Bledsoe’s services.
Philadelphia 76ers
In the event that Ben Simmons does get shipped out of the City of Brotherly Love, Eric Bledsoe will be a good replacement to run their offense.
The Kentucky alum might just be the right complementary piece to play alongside the Sixers’ superstar center Joel Embiid. Philly, however, is reportedly keen on keeping their All-Star combo for now.
A deal for Bledsoe won’t still be out of reach, since they still have a mix of veteran and young assets to offer. Eric Bledsoe would be a good insurance piece in the event that the injury bug continues to bother Simmons in the future.
The Sixers badly needed a playmaker in their first-round defeat to the Miami Heat, and Eric Bledsoe could have been their guy.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Bucks are reportedly high on making a deal for OKC “point god” Chris Paul. If that’s the case, the Thunder might as well get another facilitator in return.
Bledsoe, of course, played back-up for Paul with the Los Angeles Clippers a few years back. Although he is nowhere the facilitator that CP3 is, Eric Bledsoe will still be a nice replacement for OKC in the event that they give up Paul.
Eric Bledsoe, however, might have to take a lesser role if he does go to the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is certainly the future of the franchise at the guard spot. Dennis Schroder also deserves more minutes after his spectacular showing this season.
Toronto Raptors
The defending champions might soon find themselves in search of a playmaker, as Kyle Lowry will enter free agency in 2021. Although they still have a year left for his services, its in Toronto’s best interest to look for a suitable replacement just in case.
Fred VanVleet has shown that he is capable of a bigger role, but Toronto will have to outbid a lot of teams to keep him this offseason.
Eric Bledsoe is obviously a downgrade to Lowry, but he does have the experience and grit to be a factor for head coach nick Nurse’s system right away.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets obviously love going small and they will have no problem entertaining an undersized but speedy guard into the fray.
At his best, Eric Bledsoe has been described by some as a poor man’s Russell Westbrook. He is an aggressive player on offense, while his defensive capabilities will no doubt help Houston in that regard.
The only problem here is that he plays eerily similar to Westbrook – which could play out as a double-edge sword for H-Town.
Eric Bledsoe will be a good backup for the Rockets and give their bench a huge boost whenever Westbrook or James Harden takes a breather.
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