Timberwolves Offer Max Deal to Bledsoe
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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly offered a maximum contract to restricted free-agent Eric Bledsoe in hopes of a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Suns, Bledsoe’s current team.
The deal is for a reported four years and $63 million, exceeding the Suns offer of four years and $48 million. Bledsoe has told the Suns, as well as other teams, that he would only consider a max contract but would be willing to sign a qualifying offer worth one year and $3.7 million. By signing that deal, Bledsoe would make himself an unrestricted free agent following the 2014-15 season.
Minnesota had inquired about Bledsoe while shopping all-star forward Kevin Love, but trade talks never reached a serious point. The Timberwolves are hoping to pair Bledsoe with Andrew Wiggins, whom they acquired from Cleveland for Love.
Phoenix has already started making possible arrangements for life after Bledsoe. The Suns signed free-agent Isaiah Thomas and drafted Tyler Ennis in the first-year player draft in June. Bledsoe averaged 17.7 points per game for Phoenix last season.
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