Offseason Thread 6: The Not So Mexican Stand-off Continues

[LukasBMW]

So if it's about money, even if he takes the QO and performs well, we still can offer him more money then anyone else next year.

Meaning that the only way he leaves us is to take less money to play for someone else OR if we think he is not even worth a 4 year max and someone else thinks he is and outbids us.

Much has been made of LAL or Cleveland as his targets, but Cleveland already has 3 max guys on it's team and aren't the Lakers our of cap space next year?

[MilotheSlayer]

I haven't seen one post that discusses why Bledsoe should have the basic amount of respect for the Suns.

The Suns traded for him and made him a centerpiece of their Cinderella campaign this past offseason. I don't give two **** what Bledsoe thinks he's worth, he wouldn't even be sniffing a $48 million contract had the Suns not started him for the half the year.

It's called **** loyalty. Understanding where you came from and why you're in the position you're in. Bledsoe is in this position because of (a) Ryan McD trading for him, (b) Hornacek developing a custom-built offense around two PGs, (3) Dragic having an incredible year and taking the offensive focus off of Bledsoe entirely, and (4) Sarver offering $12m (subsequently setting his "floor" in the marketplace) and openly admitting that he's willing to negotiate.

That's four reasons to realize that the world doesn't revolve around you. Further, had he been stuck on the roster behind CP3, there's no way he's even sniffing $12m.

Loyalty HAS to count for something.

That's all fine and dandy, but if you were told you were going to get a max contract either this summer or next wouldn't you do the same thing? I'm sure he's grateful for the opportunity we gave him but why should he take less than what he thinks he deserves?

No one said anything about a max contract. No one said the suns will offer him a max contract. The only thing that was said is the suns would match any offer. Stop sticking up for that turd. He also never said, at any time, that he wanted to be in phx. In fact, he avoided that question everytime he was asked. Beldsoe is a greedy turd.

And to answer your last question. He should take what he deserves not what he "thinks" he deserves. If everyone got what they think they deserve, everyone would be rich. It's called the real world, not fantasy Bledsoe world.

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The suns didn't say he'd get a max but his agent and friends definitely did. If I'm a RFA and I'm about to go out into the market and get myself an offer. PHX has told the whole world that they plan on matching anything I accept. I would act like I don't want to go back, I would convince a team that myself and PHX don't have a good relationship and that I could care less if I'm back playing for them. That might be enough to have a team take a risk and offer me the max thinking that the bridge is burned between PHX and myself.

In a league where people get overpaid every year, why would he accept what he deserves, when next year he should be getting offers left and right. Why should he sell himself short when people all around him are getting paid and telling him that waiting a year if he has to is worth it.

[jcsunsfan]

That's all fine and dandy, but if you were told you were going to get a max contract either this summer or next wouldn't you do the same thing? I'm sure he's grateful for the opportunity we gave him but why should he take less than what he thinks he deserves?

Did you just say that? He thought he deserved the max last October. He is delusional. That aside. Everyone takes less than what they think they deserve. Its called life. Its called reality.

Give me one player who feels privileged to make the millions he makes. I want THAT guy. Positive. Thankful.

Gratitude lasts. As long as you treat them right, they will run through walls for you. Greed is temporary. You will get results as long as you feed the selfishness, but as soon as you are no longer in their best interest--they kick you to the curb without a thought.

[MilotheSlayer]

That's all fine and dandy, but if you were told you were going to get a max contract either this summer or next wouldn't you do the same thing? I'm sure he's grateful for the opportunity we gave him but why should he take less than what he thinks he deserves?

Did you just say that? He thought he deserved the max last October. He is delusional. That aside. Everyone takes less than what they think they deserve. Its called life. Its called reality.

Give me one player who feels privileged to make the millions he makes. I want THAT guy. Positive. Thankful.

I agree with you wanting positive players, like Tolliver. I like those players too. But in this league talent tends to get over paid and he has talent. Why shouldn't he try and go get over paid like the rest of them. PHX blatantly stated they'd match any offer thrown his way so no teams bit. But looking towards next summer you have teams like LA and NY who could use a PG and have the money. He'd be stupid not to try and get a max from them. Its risky but I can see why its worth it to him.

[JDLAW]

If he plays under the QO and is not traded, the Suns will retain his Bird rights. If he is traded while playing on the QO, there are none.

Thus, if Bledsoe kills it this year on the QO, he can get more money if we agree to S&T next offseason, correct? And if Bled isn't counting on a S&T with us, then presumably he wouldn't object to a trade that would give him more minutes and opportunity elsewhere, as he wouldn't anticipate taking advantage of his Bird rights. That's why the QO isn't quite as dire as people have indicated. But if his intended destination is LA, we can't stop him.

We would still have the right to give him a 5 year deal with 7.5% max raises and go over the cap to sign him. No other team can do that.

[Sunsdeuce]

Did you just say that? He thought he deserved the max last October. He is delusional. That aside. Everyone takes less than what they think they deserve. Its called life. Its called reality.

Give me one player who feels privileged to make the millions he makes. I want THAT guy. Positive. Thankful.

I agree with you wanting positive players, like Tolliver. I like those players too. But in this league talent tends to get over paid and he has talent. Why shouldn't he try and go get over paid like the rest of them. PHX blatantly stated they'd match any offer thrown his way so no teams bit. But looking towards next summer you have teams like LA and NY who could use a PG and have the money. He'd be stupid not to try and get a max from them. Its risky but I can see why its worth it to him.

Can't use the excuse that phx scared teams away. Utah said the same thing over and over about Hayward and it didn't "scare" teams away. They said they would match any offer. Charlotte offered Hayward a contract knowing Utah would match. Basically, the Bottomline is, no one, I repeat,no one wants to give Bledsoe a max contract. Regardless of what Bledsoe and his twisted mind might think.

Bad knees, half a season as a starter in his career. What person in there right mind thinks they are a max contract player with those facts?


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[MilotheSlayer]

Did you just say that? He thought he deserved the max last October. He is delusional. That aside. Everyone takes less than what they think they deserve. Its called life. Its called reality.

Give me one player who feels privileged to make the millions he makes. I want THAT guy. Positive. Thankful.

I agree with you wanting positive players, like Tolliver. I like those players too. But in this league talent tends to get over paid and he has talent. Why shouldn't he try and go get over paid like the rest of them. PHX blatantly stated they'd match any offer thrown his way so no teams bit. But looking towards next summer you have teams like LA and NY who could use a PG and have the money. He'd be stupid not to try and get a max from them. Its risky but I can see why its worth it to him.

Can't use the excuse that phx scared teams away. Utah said the same thing over and over about Hayward and it didn't "scare" teams away. They said they would match any offer. Charlotte offered Hayward a contract knowing Utah would match. Basically, the Bottomline is, no one, I repeat,no one wants to give Bledsoe a max contract. Regardless of what Bledsoe and his twisted mind might think.

Bad knees, half a season as a starter in his career. What person in there right mind thinks they are a max contract player with those facts?


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I can use that excuse because PHX and Utah are in completely different stages of teams. PHX just missed the playoffs and one major reason they did was Bledsoe, and a major reason they didn't was because he missed half the season. Him being there a full season would have changed that. Why wouldn't PHX match an offer to a player who is the difference between playoffs and the 14th pick.

Utah was one of the worst teams in the league, they are rebuilding and Hayward didn't have a good year by any means. If I'm Charlotte why not try and get him away from Utah. With the offer they gave him I personally figured they would let him walk because of the cap it'd tie up while they continue to rebuild.

Bad knee and half a season yes. But he also averaged 18/5/5. That with his solid D are definitely going to bring in big offers come next year. Yes it's a risk for him but it'd be ridiculous if he himself thinks he's going to get injured next year playing on the QO. So why not risk it with a chance of a bigger pay day ahead.

[RaisingArizona]

Trade him, McD. I can't cheer for/support someone who btches about 12 million a year.

[Sun Scorched]

I haven't seen one post that discusses why Bledsoe should have the basic amount of respect for the Suns.

The Suns traded for him and made him a centerpiece of their Cinderella campaign this past offseason. I don't give two **** what Bledsoe thinks he's worth, he wouldn't even be sniffing a $48 million contract had the Suns not started him for the half the year.

It's called **** loyalty. Understanding where you came from and why you're in the position you're in. Bledsoe is in this position because of (a) Ryan McD trading for him, (b) Hornacek developing a custom-built offense around two PGs, (3) Dragic having an incredible year and taking the offensive focus off of Bledsoe entirely, and (4) Sarver offering $12m (subsequently setting his "floor" in the marketplace) and openly admitting that he's willing to negotiate.

That's four reasons to realize that the world doesn't revolve around you. Further, had he been stuck on the roster behind CP3, there's no way he's even sniffing $12m.

Loyalty HAS to count for something.

That's all fine and dandy, but if you were told you were going to get a max contract either this summer or next wouldn't you do the same thing? I'm sure he's grateful for the opportunity we gave him but why should he take less than what he thinks he deserves?

The problem is that you used the word "grateful" in your argument. Bledsoe has handled this process in a way that implies he's offended by the Suns. He won't return calls, he hasn't been to Phoenix this offseason, he's working out with LeBron in Cleveland instead of with his own team in Phoenix - and let's be clear, Bledsoe is STILL A SUN CONTRACTUALLY. There is no end game in this for Bledsoe where he isn't a Sun, this season or next (assuming he pouts hardcore), unless the Suns decide to trade him, regardless of whether or not he takes the QO.

Hypothetical - Bledsoe came to the table, said I want max and I'm not really interested in the $12m offer on the table, the Suns would probably say "Well, we can do $13m." Bledsoe could still say, "Thank you for your very generous offer. I really do appreciate it, but I'm confident in my abilities to get a maximum contract offer next year and so will be taking the QO this season. I look forward to playing my heart out this year and look forward to contract discussions with you next offseason."

Boom! And then he takes the QO. Simple. succinct and no one has their feelings hurt.

As opposed to this little bitchmade self-love fest he has going on currently.

Seriously, the above hypothetical accomplishes all of his desired outcomes, without the drama and in a very professional manner.

[MilotheSlayer]

And as a fan I agree with you wholeheartedly. But if he thinks that PHX might budge on their no max on October 1 why not wait it out? I do agree with you that he hasn't handled it the best way he could have. And I would really like to see him down working out with the team. But if he wants to hardball and wait for the max its up to him. I'm sure on Oct 1 if he doesn't get it he'll accept the QO and be ready for training camp ready to help us make the playoffs.

[JamesConway]

Jude LaCava ‏@judefox10 19 Min.

NBA sources tell me the Twolves are prepared to offer Eric Bledsoe a Max contract #nba

Has this been brought up already?

[Sunsdeuce]

Jude LaCava ‏@judefox10 19 Min.

NBA sources tell me the Twolves are prepared to offer Eric Bledsoe a Max contract #nba

Has this been brought up already?

I was just about to post that. There you go milo. There is your team willing to offer max. Now we start to take what we can get from the wolves.

@JonBloom: @judefox10 Assuming this would have to be through a sign & trade based on their current cap position?

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[wheezy]

Jude LaCava ‏@judefox10 19 Min.

NBA sources tell me the Twolves are prepared to offer Eric Bledsoe a Max contract #nba

Has this been brought up already?

I was just about to post that. There you go milo. There is your team willing to offer max. Now we start to take what we can get from the wolves.

@JonBloom: @judefox10 Assuming this would have to be through a sign & trade based on their current cap position?

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Yeah, it'd have to be. They're about $12 mil over the cap as it is according to basketball reference.

[BurningHeart]

Good. Send him to the Minnesota gulags. Get what we can and let's wash our hands of this dicknose.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

If we've gotten to the point of an offer in these negotiations, we're far along in discussions. And if we're playing ball with Minnesota, it's gotta be youth coming back our way. Minnesota should not give Phoenix any future picks. So it's gonna be 1-2 players on this list, right?

Ricky Rubio, Shabazz Muhammad, Zach LaVine, Anthony Bennett, Gorgui Dieng, Nikola Pekovic

I'd expect either Kevin Martin or Pekovic to be involved because of their contracts. Can Thad and Bennett be traded right now? What would it take? Would other Suns players be moved? I would ask if Bledsoe's interested, but at max money and alongside Wiggins, I think he'd do it. Right?

Possibilities! Speculation to get excited about!! Finally!

[King4Day]

Jude LaCava ‏@judefox10 19 Min.

NBA sources tell me the Twolves are prepared to offer Eric Bledsoe a Max contract #nba

Has this been brought up already?

I was just about to post that. There you go milo. There is your team willing to offer max. Now we start to take what we can get from the wolves.

@JonBloom: @judefox10 Assuming this would have to be through a sign & trade based on their current cap position?

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If Minny is truly going to do this, why don't we just bite the bullet, do what McDonough said he'd do form the start, and "match" but offering the same.

If we do a trade with Minny, give me Lavine and Rubio and I'm content.

[BurningHeart]

Pekovic? They'd give us Pekovic?

I dunno about that.

[wheezy]

Traxxe made it sound like the Suns were gunning for Wiggins right before the Cavs/TWolves deal was finished. Could still be the case.

[WTFsunsFTW]

Espn grabbing ahold now too
http://m.espn.go.com/nba/story?storyId= ... Y8f0%22%7D

The Wolves are offering Bledsoe the four-year, $63 million maximum-level contract that he has been seeking, sources said. Bledsoe and the Suns have been in a stalemate all summer after the team offered him a four-year, $48 million deal in July.

[Fo-Real]

Good....... something finally!!!!! Cmon Minny........ do your worst!!!