The One And Only Offseason Thread 4

[DirtyDez]

I tweeted LaCava asking if Bledsoe was serious about taking the QO, he DM'd me saying

"I would say EB is very cautious about staying long term."

Oh well, looks like Bledsoe is gone. This issue is bigger than money, dude just doesn't want to be a Phoenix Sun.

If Bledsoe is "gone" it won't be till next summer or possibly mid-season.

[JTrain]

He wields and will wield more influence as the years go on, in wider and wider circles. I can't be specific how a good or bad relationship with James could effect the Suns down the road, only that I think it merits consideration.

...

Sorry I can't be more specific in what I think the "King James" factor is playing in the Bledsoe contract signing.

Are you implying you know details but can't share them, or that you don't know what the details might be?

[JTrain]

I tweeted LaCava asking if Bledsoe was serious about taking the QO, he DM'd me saying

"I would say EB is very cautious about staying long term."

Oh well, looks like Bledsoe is gone. This issue is bigger than money, dude just doesn't want to be a Phoenix Sun.

Why assume LaCava knows any more info than us? None of the other experts seem to.

[Kerrsed]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24KTBp8qQIo[/youtube]

[NaturalBuns]

Who really cares with Bledsoe at this point.
He doesn't want to play for the suns why do we want guys like that?

Let him take the QO do a S&T next summer.

[Bulk]

Look at this table that I saw in BSOTS. He's risking $48 M just to get 5$M more BEST CASE SCENARIO (!), hell I'm sure Suns will agree on $13M a year if they keep negotiating and it will pratically break even.

Taking the QO is dumb.

[pidi]

man, this bledso bull is killing me right now.. who does he think he is - LeBron, Melo, KD??

No team is willing to pay him maximum Money so he does not deserve that kind of money.

Just trade him and add some extra Salary to our CapSpace and just get rid of this bust..

[sunskerr]

I understand this Bledsoe situation is frustrating but damn, I'm really disappointed in the fickleness and immaturity displayed by a lot of you people in your posts. Just wait. Honestly this period of July-October is not very long at all.

This is what we do know:

He is a good player who didn't play very many games. This, combined with the saturation of capable point guards contributed to the lack of offers he got. We offered him a deal that is worth more than Stephen Curry's, and by all accounts it is still on the table.

And this is what we don't know: that he doesn't like Phoenix. He hasn't made any negative comments regarding playing in Phoenix. People have stated it time and time before ; that Eric is a quiet person. Clearly many of you have gone from uncertainty to certainty on this issue on the grounds of frustration.

We also know he will make less money on the qualifying offer in the long run and he will lose financial security. From all this, it is the logical conclusion that Bledsoe will still be playing here next season and locked up for four more years. If he takes the qualifying offer then it confirms that Rich Paul and Bledsoe are a foolish lot. Then we can say "oh well" and look towards 2015 free agency.

[aIvin adams]

I understand this Bledsoe situation is frustrating but damn, I'm really disappointed in the fickleness and immaturity displayed by a lot of you people in your posts. Just wait. Honestly this period of July-October is not very long at all.

This is what we do know:

He is a good player who didn't play very many games. This, combined with the saturation of capable point guards contributed to the lack of offers he got. We offered him a deal that is worth more than Stephen Curry's, and by all accounts it is still on the table.

And this is what we don't know: that he doesn't like Phoenix. He hasn't made any negative comments regarding playing in Phoenix. People have stated it time and time before ; that Eric is a quiet person. Clearly many of you have gone from uncertainty to certainty on this issue on the grounds of frustration.

We also know he will make less money on the qualifying offer in the long run and he will lose financial security. From all this, it is the logical conclusion that Bledsoe will still be playing here next season and locked up for four more years. If he takes the qualifying offer then it confirms that Rich Paul and Bledsoe are a foolish lot. Then we can say "oh well" and look towards 2015 free agency.

[bigfoot]

I understand this Bledsoe situation is frustrating but damn, I'm really disappointed in the fickleness and immaturity displayed by a lot of you people in your posts. Just wait. Honestly this period of July-October is not very long at all.

This is what we do know:

He is a good player who didn't play very many games. This, combined with the saturation of capable point guards contributed to the lack of offers he got. We offered him a deal that is worth more than Stephen Curry's, and by all accounts it is still on the table.

And this is what we don't know: that he doesn't like Phoenix. He hasn't made any negative comments regarding playing in Phoenix. People have stated it time and time before ; that Eric is a quiet person. Clearly many of you have gone from uncertainty to certainty on this issue on the grounds of frustration.

We also know he will make less money on the qualifying offer in the long run and he will lose financial security. From all this, it is the logical conclusion that Bledsoe will still be playing here next season and locked up for four more years. If he takes the qualifying offer then it confirms that Rich Paul and Bledsoe are a foolish lot. Then we can say "oh well" and look towards 2015 free agency.

Yep but it is the correct assessment. The current state of sports journalism has regressed to the level of the National Enquirer. Hell nearly all journalism has. We don't know the current situation because the major players aren't talking publicly. If I was a betting man this unfolds with Bledsoe and the Suns hammering out a $13M per year contract with an extra $2M in incentives.

[bwgood77]

The Suns could give Bledsoe the max as follows

$12M base
500K for 2nd-team all defense
$1M for 1st team all defense
500K for 3rd team all NBA
$1M for 2nd team all NBA
$1.5M for 1st team all NBA
$1M for all-star selection

Should Bledsoe be 1st team all defense, 1st team all NBA, and an all-star he would get $15.5M.

Let him earn the max.

Like your thoughts, but it is a little heavy on the bonuses that can be readily achieved. Second and third team selections can be cut and 2nd team all defense can be cut. Cut the $1.5 first all-nba team to $1M. Instead give $1M for DPOY and $1M for MVP and $1M for playoff MVP

Realistically at best he would probably make $13 million, and more likely $12.5 by making 2nd team all defense IF he stays healthy. He's not making first or second all nba or the all star game in the west if Kobe, Westbrook, etc are all healthy.

[bwgood77]

I understand this Bledsoe situation is frustrating but damn, I'm really disappointed in the fickleness and immaturity displayed by a lot of you people in your posts. Just wait. Honestly this period of July-October is not very long at all.

This is what we do know:

He is a good player who didn't play very many games. This, combined with the saturation of capable point guards contributed to the lack of offers he got. We offered him a deal that is worth more than Stephen Curry's, and by all accounts it is still on the table.

And this is what we don't know: that he doesn't like Phoenix. He hasn't made any negative comments regarding playing in Phoenix. People have stated it time and time before ; that Eric is a quiet person. Clearly many of you have gone from uncertainty to certainty on this issue on the grounds of frustration.

We also know he will make less money on the qualifying offer in the long run and he will lose financial security. From all this, it is the logical conclusion that Bledsoe will still be playing here next season and locked up for four more years. If he takes the qualifying offer then it confirms that Rich Paul and Bledsoe are a foolish lot. Then we can say "oh well" and look towards 2015 free agency.

I agree. Also, it amazes me how many people think he will play for the QO. It often happens that players threaten to play for the QO as an attempt to get the team to raise their offer. Most teams call their bluff and they never actually leave all that money on the table. Monroe's camp has threatened it as well.

Also, those who think he only wants to play for certain teams, that doesn't really matter for a couple of reasons. Besides the money issues other teams have right now, there are VERY FEW teams out there that need point guards.

I know people constantly mention LA, but it has been reported everywhere that they are eyeing 2016 when Durant, LeBron, possibly Love and others are free agents. Even if you don't want to believe the reports, just look at all the two year contracts they signed this year. The writing is on the wall. IF Bledsoe ends up in LA, it will be because he signed a 2 year deal and LA whiffed on the above guys, but it wouldn't be until 2016.

Outside of that you really only have Milwaukee, Detroit and Sacramento in my estimation that need point guards. I'm not sure those places are more appealing to Bledsoe than Phx, but I guess they possibly are. Sacramento could possibly pay him next year if they let Gay go, but Bledsoe will likely be tied up by then.

Also, Rondo is likely on the market this year and probably goes to a place like Detroit for Monroe or Sacramento for something. Possibly Milwaukee. I doubt he would want to play in those places, but the fact remains, just as it does with Bledsoe, there are not many teams that need a PG. Boston would likely go with Smart as the future since they are rebuilding.

The other wildcard could be NY, but I am not sure Phil is high on giving a PG a lot of money (and I'm not sure if Bledsoe is ideal for the triangle), and sources have said he is very high on Calderon and likes a PG who passes and can hit the 3 at a high rate. But again, they don't have money until next summer and they likely go after bigger names, and of course, once again, Bledsoe will likely be tied up.

I think if he doesn't come to agreement on a 4 year offer (I could see us going up to 52 and possibly 54) then the most likely scenario is that he signs a 2 year deal, or maybe a longer one with a player option for another year if that is possible. Plenty of teams have cap space in 2016 including the two biggest markets (Brooklyn and LA). Brooklyn would likely throw him a huge deal and the Lakers if they strike out on others, which is likely. Also the cap should be much higher by then.

If I was Paul, I would eventually push for a 2 year deal with a player option on a 3rd year to protect from injury, if that's possible under the CBA.

[RunDogGun]

Who really cares with Bledsoe at this point.
He doesn't want to play for the suns why do we want guys like that?

Let him take the QO do a S&T next summer.

There won't be a S&T next offseason if he signs the QO, unless he wants to go to a team that financially can't offer him the contract he desires. Then the return for the Suns have to be worth it.

[NotTraxxe]

Bledsoe doesn't want to stay in Phoenix. But he will for a 'max' or very near max deal.

We don't want him in Phoenix for more than 12ish million.

No one else wants Bledsoe right now for 'max' or near max money.

At the start they did but we threatened to insist on a physical and what not. And drag the period out longer. Cap space ad willingness to spend dried up in the interim.

NO ONE will pay Bledsoe Max money AND give up any decent assets. NO ONE.

So here we are...

It's not getting done soon. There are no relevant S&T deals with enough temptations.

We'll wait it out and hope he isn't stupid enough to take the QO. And he won't be.

We win.

If we get a bad start look for a good trade at the deadline. Teams like Bledsoe at 12 million. If he gets out of the gate and does what he does when healthy he becomes a great asset at 12 million.

This isn't getting resolved soon.

[matt131]

Bledsoe doesn't want to stay in Phoenix. But he will for a 'max' or very near max deal.

We don't want him in Phoenix for more than 12ish million.

No one else wants Bledsoe right now for 'max' or near max money.

At the start they did but we threatened to insist on a physical and what not. And drag the period out longer. Cap space ad willingness to spend dried up in the interim.

NO ONE will pay Bledsoe Max money AND give up any decent assets. NO ONE.

So here we are...

It's not getting done soon. There are no relevant S&T deals with enough temptations.

We'll wait it out and hope he isn't stupid enough to take the QO. And he won't be.

We win.

If we get a bad start look for a good trade at the deadline. Teams like Bledsoe at 12 million. If he gets out of the gate and does what he does when healthy he becomes a great asset at 12 million.

This isn't getting resolved soon.

What a little butthead. If this is true, I'm totally over him.

[bwgood77]

What a little butthead. If this is true, I'm totally over him.

Hey, since you are a Chargers fan, I thought I'd let you know there are a couple of pretty good articles on the Chargers forum. viewtopic.php?f=175&t=1337763

Would have PM'd you but I guess it's not an option yet.

[NotTraxxe]

That doesn't make him a bad person. It's just his preference. I would rather live in San Diego and make it my home than Phoenix. Austin. Seattle. Denver. I would rather work and live in certain locations that appeal to me.

I live where I live because they wanted to pay me a lot more to do what I do.

He's butthurt on it. He had a team that wanted to offer him a big payday. We used the rules and they backed off. The market shrunk. He should be butthurt. We cost him millions. You would be butthurt too.

This is business. Business is butthurt city in its very nature.

[Frank Lee]

Bked/Paul should give credit/blame where due..... Kyle Lowry set his price tag.

I would wager we already have a sign and trade deal in place for the amount we offered (may be a bit more).... as a precautionary plan to counter his eventual anti-suns declaration. It has become clear the guy does not share the same vision for Phnx as the FO and current teammates. Short term deal my ass. He won't buy in, so its time to move the sell out.

I wonder... no, I know, our FO has a time limit on his shenanigans.

PS.... I see NTraxx's claim about no S+T suitors... perhaps Bled/paul are getting the 'problem child' label. Certainly no team is doing us any favors in this matter. As an opposing GM, I'd let us deal with signing him, and then make an offer for the disgruntler.

[bwgood77]

That doesn't make him a bad person. It's just his preference. I would rather live in San Diego and make it my home than Phoenix. Austin. Seattle. Denver. I would rather work and live in certain locations that appeal to me.

I live where I live because they wanted to pay me a lot more to do what I do.

He's butthurt on it. He had a team that wanted to offer him a big payday. We used the rules and they backed off. The market shrunk. He should be butthurt. We cost him millions. You would be butthurt too.

This is business. Business is butthurt city in its very nature.

It's funny, I've lived in San Diego, Phoenix, Austin and Denver, and I would have thought prior to living in all the places it would be my preference. But I actually don't like it better than any of the other places. I love the beach, weather and Chargers, but outside of that, I like the other cities better. I loved Denver. Austin is great in it's unique way. I don't think I'd like Seattle though.

[bwgood77]

Bked/Paul should give credit/blame where due..... Kyle Lowry set his price tag.

I would wager we already have a sign and trade deal in place for the amount we offered (may be a bit more).... as a precautionary plan to counter his eventual anti-suns declaration. It has become clear the guy does not share the same vision for Phnx as the FO and current teammates. Short term deal my ass. He won't buy in, so its time to move the sell out.

I wonder... no, I know, our FO has a time limit on his shenanigans.

PS.... I see NTraxx's claim about no S+T suitors... perhaps Bled/paul are getting the 'problem child' label. Certainly no team is doing us any favors in this matter. As an opposing GM, I'd let us deal with signing him, and then make an offer for the disgruntler.

Well he said nobody wanted to give him the max AND give up decent assets. If cap space is a concern, I'd still be ok with one to Milwaukee for little return, but cap space flexibility. Knight and MIddleton and protected pick, or possibly just two of those things. I think a guard rotation of Dragic, Thomas, Green and either Knight or Middleton would be nice. Knight to backup pg like Thomas was going to, and Middleton (6'7, 41% from 3) for insurance on Green leaving in the offseason.

Sure that's a downgrade from Bledsoe, but I don't see any other possible deals, unless we wanted Josh Smith, but he has been in SERIOUS decline. The last three years his PER has gone from 21 to 17 to 14.