SH Blog: Suns exploring trades for Eric Bledsoe; Coach K predicts big things from Anthony Davis; Miami pursuing Okafor

The Phoenix Suns had hoped it would never come to this. But after weeks of playing hardball with guard Eric Bledsoe — and his agent Rich Paul — the two sides continue to distance themselves from the negotiating table. 

According to a local Fox station, the Phoenix Suns have decided to explore the undesirable option of trading Bledsoe. Here’s more from the report and analysis from Matt Moore:

“You can take this to the bank, so to speak,” Jude LaCava told FoxSports 910, “the Suns are now discussing trade possibilities for Eric Bledsoe. The reality has kicked into the point that my sources are telling me that if they can accommodate Bledsoe and get something that they want in return, trade possibilities are very real and they have been discussed.

And so we see the ugly side of free agency in the NBA, which Bledsoe has been experiencing with the Suns all summer as a restricted free agent.

There have been reports that Bledsoe got what is considered a “fair offer” by the standards of other executives and agents, and in late July, there was a report of an “ominous development” between the two sides. Owner Robert Sarver told reporters they haven’t spoken to Bledsoe in four months.

Bledsoe can likely return significant value in trade, particularly since the Suns’ maintain leverage no matter how bad the situation gets. But losing Bledsoe might be significantly worse no matter what they get back. He played so well last season and the team designed a lot of its plans around Bledsoe.

The Bledsoe-Suns relationship seemed like a perfect match at the start of the season and as the year progressed. And despite missing a good portion of the year with an injury, GM Ryan McDonough was confident that Bledsoe would return to Phoenix, threatening to match any offers he received in restricted free agency in a strategic attempt to dampen the market.

This strategy has worked to a degree, but also backfired in a major way. The Suns have dissuaded any serious competition for Bledsoe, but at the same time are offering him a contract that he considers borderline insulting. But without any real competition, what incentive does Phoenix have to up its offer?

And so one of the NBA’s best young guards continues to wait in limbo.

More from around the NBA

• According to Coach K, Anthony Davis is going to have a huge run with Team USA: “Well Anthony would have had a huge role no matter what. Anthony is one of the best players in the NBA.  But with those two guys (gone), I think scoring-wise, he’ll get more opportunities, because if you have Durant, you are going to put things in for him. So, when he is not there, then those things aren’t in, so for everybody it becomes a little bit more available. But Anthony played a great a game against Brazil; not a good game. He had an influence on every exchange, offensively or defensively, while he was in there.”

• During his time off Kevin Durant has a huge decision to make: “Kevin Durant‘s representation Roc Nation Sports informed Nike on Wednesday that he has a deal on the table with Under Armour worth between $265 million and $285 million over 10 years, sources told ESPN.com. The deal includes Under Armour stock and other incentives, such a community center built in his mother’s name, whose exact worth will not be known for some time. Nike, which saw its signature business related to the Oklahoma City Thunder forward grow to roughly $175 million at retail last season, will have the right to match, which is a condition of Durant’s current contract with the brand. Durant can still choose Nike if it doesn’t match but can’t legally choose Under Armour if Nike does. Nike’s last offer, sources said, would have given Durant a base and a minimum royalty guarantee that would equal no less than $20 million a year. If Under Armour wins the services of Durant, it would be the largest sponsorship deal the company has ever committed to. The average of $26.5 million to $28.5 million means that Under Armour would be devoting nearly 10 percent of its current annual marketing budget on him. Although Under Armour has given investors guidance that it might hit $3 billion in revenues this year, only about 1 percent of that is from basketball shoes.”

• The Toronto Raptors are one vote away from scoring a new practice facility: “Councillors on the executive committee unanimously approved Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment’s plan to build a $30-million practice centre at the city-owned site. MLSE president and CEO Tim Leiweke outlined the plans for the building — currently the site of a parking lot — to the committee. Leiweke wants it ready in time for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game in Toronto. “I think this is great for the sport and as you look around the country and you look around our city in particular you begin to see that this is a sport that is very attractive to the majority of people who live in the city,” Leiweke said after the vote. Council will debate the deal next week. Under the proposal approved by executive Wednesday, MLSE would foot the $30-million bill to construct the facility and pay Exhibition Place annual rent that would start at $205,000. MLSE has also agreed to make the majority of the daytime and evening basketball court time at the facility available for “community use” through the city’s parks department.”

• New Cavs coach David Blatt took time to do a Twitter Q&A from Israel, won’t talk about Wiggins/Love trade: “Baltimore Bones (@latripleB): Will Kyrie Irving play as PG or SG? Blatt: “Kyrie is a point guard who is multifaceted, extremely skilled and still very much on the upswing as a great basketball player.” Neil Losordo (@cavs_fan2):  What’s the plan for Dion [Waiters], have him as starter or an instant offense guy off the bench? Blatt: “Dion is a lot of things to this team. I’ve never seen any particular importance to the emphasis of starting or not, I see an emphasis on playing and helping the team win. That’s not to say he will or won’t start, that’s not the point. I think his and every player’s motto and desire needs to be to help the team win. That’s what’s important.” Jason Wells (@alphazepp): How do you plan to manage LeBron’s minutes? Blatt: “I believe anyone in my profession would gladly trade places with me to have the opportunity to coach LeBron. Having LeBron on our side is a huge advantage over other teams, but you have to know how to help him and utilize his talents the best way possible so that we maximize the potential of our team. Throughout my career, I have coached many great players; I know when to be tough and when to be somewhat softer.” Rashad (@RJJ954): Tell them to keep Andrew Wiggins. Blatt: “I had the opportunity to work with Andrew Wiggins this summer and he’s a kid I love and respect. As far as what’s coming down the line, I really can’t talk about it right now.””

• The Miami Heat are pursuing Emeka Okafor and other free agents: “The Heat is serious about adding another shooting guard and a big man if it can find two good ones willing to take the veteran’s minimum. After recently working out Jordan Hamilton (who signed with Toronto) and Chris Douglas-Roberts, the Heat also has inquired about Leandro Barbosa and Jordan Crawford, who both hold appeal to Miami. Among power rotation players, the Heat has shown interest in Emeka Okafor and has considered Ekpe Udoh. Preliminary inquiries were made on Andray Blatche and Jason Maxiell. Agent David Falk said he talked to the Heat about Elton Brand but that Brand is unlikely to end up here.”

 Ben Baroff is a basketball journalist who blogs for SheridanHoops.com. Follow him on Twitter here.