Eric Bledsoe is the top remaining player still unsigned, though as a restricted free agent the Suns have the right to match any offer sheet that Bledsoe agrees to. Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic looks at why Bledsoe hasn’t received any offers, and examines the player’s options going forward. Bickley also opines that Bledsoe is risking alienating the fans in Phoenix by turning down the Suns’ four-year, $48MM deal.
Here’s more from around the league:
- George Karl told Jerry Zgoda of The Star Tribune that the Wolves can’t afford to pass on trading Kevin Love for Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett, if the Cavs are truly offering that package (via Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer’s tweet). Karl coached through a tumultuous season with the Nuggets when Carmelo Anthony eventually received his desired trade to the Knicks.
- Every year when the dust settles and the free agent signings begin to wind down there are winners and losers. Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today weigh in on this year’s successes and disappointments.
- The Thunder‘s Josh Huestis might become the NBA’s first domestic “draft-and-stash” player, writes Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman. If Huestis does skip signing with the Thunder and heads directly to the NBA D-League, it could signal a major shift in the future of the D-League and how it’s utilized, notes Mayberry.
- Sixers GM Sam Hinkie‘s rebuilding plan might not be popular in Philadelphia as the losses keep piling up. Jason Wolf of USA Today profiles the GM, as well as takes a look at the moves he’s made so far in his efforts to retool the franchise.
- The Jazz are interested in signing free agent Toure’ Murry, tweets Aaron Falk of The Salt Lake Tribune. Falk notes that Murry might be waiting for an offer from the Heat. The Knicks had also expressed interest in bringing Murry back, but currently have a logjam in the backcourt.
Cray Allred contributed to this post.
seriously, I’m getting sick of people trying to say that Bledsoe should take less money than he clearly deserves
I think that part of it for Minnesota is the fact that they know that they have a pretty good team heading into this season. Last year, they lost almost a record number of close games. They dealt with injuries again, and they once again underperformed their peripherals. Its not out of the question for them to have a Portland like year. They only needed another wing player and someone to guard the PG spot last year, and they have addressed those things. I think they have a chance to be pretty good if they can stay healthy. To be honest though, I wouldnt put it totally out of the question for them to be pretty good with either of the reported packages heading there in a trade. Still, there are 2 sides to a trade, and I couldnt give them Klay Thompson or Andrew Wiggins for Kevin Love, much less more than that
It’s not that he deserves less, but how long do those knees hold up? He’s got some Andrew Bynum in him.
I dont even know what that means…All I know is that he is ridiculously athletic and very strong at the PG position and can play 2 way basketball. He is easily a max player…Plus, he has a great nickname lol “Baby LeBron”
I’d say the main reason no one’s offered him near max is because of those knees. He’s very athletic and explosive, but his knees already gave out once… And as far as why he’s got some Bynum in him… Bynum’s got TONS of talent and some garbage knees
Can anyone give me a scouting report on Murry? He apparently shoots the ball very well from 3, and I’ve heard he is pretty good defensively, but I dont know much about that; like what his athleticism is like and if he has active hands/gets in passing lanes/how disruptive is he. Can he play on the wing? Any info there would be appreciated, as he never played in the (many) games I saw the Knicks play