Eric Bledsoe won’t be in Phoenix for long. After he requested a trade from the Suns last week, he found a new home. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Milwaukee Bucks acquired Bledsoe, sending Greg Monroe, first and second round picks to the Phoenix Suns in exchange. It is important to note that the picks are heavily protected.
Sources: Suns, Bucks have agreed in principle to trade Eric Bledsoe for Greg Monroe and protected 2018 first-round and second-round picks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 7, 2017
Sources: First-round pick protection: 2018: Suns get Bucks pick between 11-to-16. 2019: 4-to-16. 2020: 8 to 30. 2021: Unprotected.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 7, 2017
Sources: The Suns get Bucks 2018 second-round pick if it lands 48 to 60 in draft. That pick doesn't carry into 2019, if Bucks keep it in 18.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 7, 2017
This move represents another step by the Bucks in the attempt to surround their emerging superstar and early MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo with more weapons. On the other hand, the Suns will get a decent value in return for an unhappy player.
Previously, multiple teams were interested in making a deal for Bledsoe including the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and the Detroit Pistons. Most of the teams, however, backed down after they heard the Suns’ asking price.
Eric Bledsoe was drafted in 2010 NBA draft with the 18th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder but was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Although he was a solid performer in his rookie season, he didn’t receive much playing time after the Clippers acquired Chris Paul. In 2013, Bledsoe was traded to the Suns. The last season was statistically the best for Bledsoe, as he averaged 21.1 points, 6.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, but that still didn’t help the Suns avoid being the worst team in the Western Conference.
Greg Monroe was taken by the Detroit Pistons with the 7th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft. After five years with the Pistons, in 2015 he decided to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks who offered him three-year, $50 million contract. Although Monroe was a starter in his first season with the Bucks, he was relegated to the bench in the 2016-2017 season and also remained a bench player in the current season.
