"China boutta trade him for Patrick Beverley" - NBA fans abuzz over former All-Defensive First Team guard's attempt to return to league

NBA veteran Eric Bledsoe has his eyes on a return to the league after spending some time away in China. When news of him at a private workout broke, fans took the opportunity to joke about the 34-year-old's potential for a comeback.

Klutch Sports agent Calvin Andrews told the US Sun that several free agents attended a private workout on Saturday. Fans quickly joked that Bledsoe is too far removed from his prime, with one user suggesting he swap with another aging guard.

"China boutta trade him for Pat Bev," wrote one user.

"He couldn't even play on the Hornets fr," said another.

While the comments about Bledsoe not being good enough anymore poured in, a few of his supporters spoke up.

"Always was solid and underrated," said one supporter.

"Unironically he could fit on the Lakers," joked one user.

Eric Bledsoe has collectively played 12 seasons for the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans. He's averaged 13.7 points and 4.7 assists per game in his career. He was well regarded for his physcial defensive play, twice making the All-NBA defensive team in his career.

He's played two seasons in China with the Shanghai Sharks, averaging 16.6 points and 5.9 assists per game and shooting 45.8 percent.

"Bro told the Shanghai Sharks he don't wanna be there no more," wrote another user.

"Best of luck to him fr tho," one user wrote with goodwill.

Austin Rivers, other NBA free agent vets reportedly in private workout

Along with Bledsoe at the reported workout was free agent veteran Austin Rivers. Son of Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, Austin last played in the league in 2022-23, for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He's played 14 seasons across seven NBA teams and was best when playing under his father, with the LA Clippers, from 2016-18.

Austin Rivers averaged 8.5 points per game in his career while shooting 34.9 percent from three.

Another veteran guard, Cory Joseph, reportedly was at the workout. Joseph was rostered with the Warriors last season, but played just 11 minutes per game. He's known as a pass-first guard off the bench, and has averaged 6.9 points and 3 assists per game in his career.

South Sudanese hooper Thon Maker is looking for an NBA contract as well and hasn't played a full NBA season in nearly five years.

The No. 10 overall pick in the 2016 draft always impressed with his 7-foot length and versatility. But he struggled to get his footing and stay healthy while signed with the Bucks and Pistons.