Eric Bledsoe is a Grizzly after being dealt by the Pelicans. The Sixers, though, could reportedly be the next team he plays for.
A little pre-draft excitement came in the form of a deal between the Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. The two teams essentially swapped centers and draft picks, helping the Pelicans clear up salary while the Grizzlies improved their draft capital.
Eric Bledsoe seems to be the odd-man-out of this situation. The Grizzlies are already looking to flip him apparently if they can, and the Sixers are rumored to be interested if that is the case.
Eric Bledsoe has been far from a highly praised player over recent years, so the Sixers likely (hopefully) won’t give up too much to land the combo guard. He was a starter for the impressive Milwaukee Bucks for practically three years, but his post-season performance has certainly left much to be desired. He likely (again, hopefully) wouldn’t be relied upon in the same capacity as he was with Milwaukee if he were to join the Sixers.
The Grizzlies would likely prefer to trade Bledsoe, but if they cannot, expect the Sixers to pursue Bledsoe regardless of whether it is through the trade market or free agency. Bledsoe may be lacking, but he certainly fits a need for the Sixers, who are in desperate need of veteran play at the point.
Bledsoe won’t necessarily be the answer, but he could still end up becoming a solid addition, especially since he’d be cheap (from an asset perspective). The Sixers could look to sign-and-trade Danny Green or possibly move George Hill in a deal to acquire Bledsoe though they would have to be getting back more than just Bledsoe in that case.
Ideally, the Sixers would be able to bring back more in such a deal (like a future first-round pick) that they could then use in a package to acquire a star such as Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal. Fans may not be excited about Bledsoe, but it’s one more interesting storyline to watch ahead of the draft.
