The Minnesota Timberwolves might be considering a sign-and-trade deal that will send point guard Ricky Rubio to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, according to ESPN.
The Timberwolves are suddenly emboldened to make another big transaction before training camp begins, offering Bledsoe the max contract he has been seeking all summer long from the Suns management.
After dealing away Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and first round pick in 2015, the T-Wolves are looking for another piece that would complete their rebuilding this offseason, and apparently, that's Bledsoe.
The 24-year old Bledsoe is coming off a breakout year, averaging at least 17 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds per game for the Suns despite suffering a torn MCL midway into the season.
Bledsoe entered free-agency period as one of the most-sought youngster on the market. However, several teams inquired for the service of the guard but were iffy to put a max contract on the table because of the Suns' ability to match their offer sheet.
The Suns offered Bledsoe a four-year, $46 million contract extension at the start of the free-agency period, though no contract was reached mainly due to the guard's demand for a bigger paycheck, one that could pay him $83 million over five years.
The stalemate between the camps lasted long enough that many thought Bledsoe would eventually pick up his qualifying contract worth roughly $3 million for 2014-15 season but will make him an unrestricted free-agent next year.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are also experiencing the some kind of dilemma as Rubio reportedly declined to sign a four-year, $43 million deal. Rubio's agent Dan Fegan believed his client deserved a max deal, a notion most NBA insiders rebuffed.
Although Rubio is an outstanding passer and defender, his impact on the offensive end of the floor has been limited by his inability to become a more efficient jump shooter.
There are speculations that Love's departure usher a new era for the franchise with Wiggins and possibly Bledsoe forming part of the team's future core.
