Hardwood Knocks, Episode 111 — Eric Bledsoe’s Fit with Bucks, the Suns’ Next Move, Other NBA Trade Candidates
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@HardwoodKnocks | @AndrewDBailey | @DanFavale
Eric Bledsoe is finally, mercifully, at long last, on the move.
As first reported by ESPN.com’s Zach Lowe and Adrian Wojnarowski, the Phoenix Suns traded the exiled point guard to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday in exchange for Greg Monroe’s expiring deal, a heavily protected first-round pick, and a modestly protected second-round selection.
This move comes as a surprise to no one who’s been following the NBA—or Bledsoe’s Twitter account. We could see everything unfolding from a mile away, right down to his destination.
So now what?
Everything else.
Bledsoe makes the Bucks look a lot better on paper, but does he noticeably elevate their ceiling in the Eastern Conference? How does he fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo? What happens to the starting lineup with him in the fold? Will Malcolm Brogdon get moved to the bench? And how will the offense function once Jabari Parker is healthy and running with both Greek Freak and Mini LeBron?
Oh, and we cannot forget about the Suns. Where do they go from here? Will they reroute Monroe or find him a new home? Is Tyson Chandler more likely to get bought out after not being included in this deal?
Andy and Dan tackle all this, in addition to going around the NBA and sussing out which other players might be traded in the coming weeks and months. So strap in. We’re about to cover a lot of ground.