Best Trade Destinations For Eric Bledsoe

In the year 2012, Jamal Crawford nicknamed Eric Bledsoe “Mini-Lebron” because of his quickness, athleticism, and high motor. So, what changed? An injury-filled tenure with the Phoenix Suns has reduced Bledsoe’s value in the market. However, he is still serviceable and can add value to one of the title contenders.

Let us look at some of the teams that can add him to improve their rotation:

#6 Utah Jazz

Ricky Rubio and Utah Jazz head coach Quin Synder

While many believe that the Cleveland Cavaliers might be the frontrunners for Bledsoe, I believe that the Utah Jazz might be the right fit. Adding Bledsoe to a young Jazz team increases the versatility of the team. One can imagine him throwing lobs to Rudy Gobert, running and gunning with Ricky Rubio, or forming a potent defensive unit with Gobert and Rubio. Even though he is short (6 ft), he is very potent in the open floor and can knock down open shots inside and outside the 3-point line. Overall, Bledsoe might be that missing piece that helps Utah to reach its first conference finals since 1999.

#5 San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs

The one thing that Eric Bledsoe did not enjoy after signing with the Suns was a steady coach. The Spurs will give him this stability and Popovich should be able to handle this talented guard, who can play both the point and shooting guard positions. Bledsoe might not be able to break into the starting five of the Spurs lineup.

However, he will add a lot of value to the bench and might add a lot of dynamism while playing alongside Manu Ginobili. Along with playing a supporting role to Ginobili's playmaking duties, Bledsoe will make the bench athletic, a little younger, and also add defensive toughness. Overall, he can be a key piece for the Spurs during the playoffs.

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder

Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook

Even though the bench rotation of Oklahoma Thunder has built excellent chemistry, adding one more athletic option to the bench does not hurt its chances. He can be the first person from the bench and add an immediate defensive and offensive punch. His playmaking skills will allow Westbrook and George to take a breather when the second unit is on the floor.

Also, Bledsoe's defensive versatility will allow him to play with the big 3 (Westbrook, George, and Anthony) in a small ball lineup and control the defensive flow of the entire game. The Thunder might have to part with some of their valuable role players (like Roberson) to acquire Bledsoe, but they should give it a shot if they need to add one more piece to their big 3 to topple the Golden State Warriors.

#3 Charlotte Hornets

Dwight Howard and Kemba Walker

It looks like adding a defensive-minded center like Dwight Howard has finally unlocked the scoring potential of Kemba Walker. Adding a defensive-minded and offensive spark plug like Bledsoe might free Walker from some defensive duties and help in the overall development of the team. One more advantage with the Charlotte Hornets is that Michael Jordan, the owner, completely trusts Steve Clifford.

This has led to a secure and stable environment in the team, which has brought out the best out of Dwight Howard. Before the start of the season, many experts predicted that Howard will fade away into oblivion very soon. Based on Howard's transformation, I am sure that Clifford will be able to motivate Bledsoe to give up his bad habits and enjoy playing some good basketball.

#2 Minnesota Timberwolves

Jimmy Butler

This situation will be a reunion with the individual who nicknamed Bledsoe “Mini-Lebron.” In addition to the reunion, working with Tom Thibodeau might be the anecdote that Bledsoe needs to reach the same heights he reached in the year 2013. One luxury Bledsoe never enjoyed when he played for the Suns was playing with a center in his prime (Tyson Chandler is a quality center, but he is way past his prime).

He will enjoy playing the pick-and-roll with Karl Anthony Towns and add tremendous value to a team that is lacking in leadership. The only factor that can stop Bledsoe from becoming the 2013 version of Bledsoe will be his willingness to get used to Thibodeau’s demanding work ethic.

#1 Washington Wizards

Bradley Beal and John Wall

Recently John Wall came out in support of Eric Bledsoe saying that he understands why Bledsoe wants out of Phoenix Suns. Based on this friendship and Wall's familiarity with Bledsoe's playing style (both Wall and Bledsoe played together at Kentucky before declaring for the NBA draft in the year 2010), I believe that the Washington Wizards might be the best fit for Bledsoe. Also, Scott Brooks likes to coach point/shooting guards.

When everyone thought that Westbrook could not play as a point guard, it was Brooks (with a little help from Sam Presti) identified Westbrook's true potential as a point guard and unleashed the monster he is today. Maybe Scott Brooks can revitalize Bledsoe's career and motivate him to unleash his potential. Overall, trading for Bledsoe might be a win-win situation for the Wizards and Bledsoe.