UPDATE (4:50 p.m. ET): The trade sending Eric Bledsoe from the Suns to the Bucks apparently is a bit more complicated than originally reported, as the two draft picks going from Milwaukee to Phoenix — a 2018 first-rounder and a 2018 second-rounder — come with very complex protections, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Sources: Suns, Bucks have agreed in principle to trade Eric Bledsoe for Greg Monroe and protected 2018 first-round and second-round picks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 7, 2017
Sources: First-round pick protection: 2018: Suns get Bucks pick between 11-to-16. 2019: 4-to-16. 2020: 8 to 30. 2021: Unprotected.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 7, 2017
Sources: The Suns get Bucks 2018 second-round pick if it lands 48 to 60 in draft. That pick doesn't carry into 2019, if Bucks keep it in 18.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 7, 2017
ORIGINAL STORY: Eric Bledsoe finally is getting his wish.
The Phoenix Suns are finalizing a deal to send their disgruntled point guard to the Milwaukee Bucks, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe reported Tuesday, citing league sources. Phoenix reportedly will receive Bucks big man Greg Monroe and a first-round draft pick.
Phoenix finalizing deal to send Eric Bledsoe to Milwaukee for Greg Monroe and a first-round draft pick, sources tell @ZachLowe_NBA and me.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 7, 2017
The Suns trading Bledsoe became a matter of “when,” not “if,” after the veteran point guard appeared to openly demand a trade on Twitter two weeks ago. Bledsoe hasn’t played in a game for Phoenix since Oct. 21, as the team reportedly has been expediting a trade for him.
Bledsoe is a very intriguing pickup for the Bucks, who were expected to be a playoff contender this season but have scuffled out of the gate at 4-5. The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 21.1 points per game last season and could help take some of the scoring load off MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images