Should the Pacers Look to Acquire Eric Bledsoe?

Mar 19, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard

(2) grabs a rebound against the Orlando Magic during the second half at US Airways Center. The Suns won 109-93. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers were rumored to be interested in acquiring point guard Goran Dragic from the Phoenix Suns this offseason, but nothing came of those rumors. Now, it appears that the Suns are going to shop Eric Bledsoe around the league to see what type of interest they receive in him. Should the Pacers take a look at acquiring him from the Suns to be their franchise point guard?

It would certainly be the type of move that would re-ignite the excitement in Pacers’ basketball this coming season. Indiana lost Lance Stephenson this past offseason in free agency to the Charlotte Hornets, and then saw Paul George break his leg in Team USA’s scrimmage game on August 1st. Needless to say, this has been a very depressing for Pacers fans coming off of last season when they went to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Bledsoe wouldn’t be the answer to the Pacers’ issues, but he would be a huge upgrade over what they are currently working with at the point guard position. Not only would he be a good pickup for the upcoming season, he would be a great running mate to place alongside of George for the future after his recovery. There are some complications that would have to be overcome between the two teams, but it certainly seems like a match for the Pacers.

One issue would be what the Suns would receive back in a trade involving Bledsoe. They still value him very much and are hopeful that he will change his mind and come back to re-sign a long-term deal. That being said, they also don’t want to lose him for nothing in free agency next offseason, and that is why they are beginning to consider the idea of a trade.

So what could the Pacers offer the Suns in return for one of the most promising, young guards in the league? David West is the name that comes into mind immediately, especially with the Suns’ need of upgrade at the position after losing Channing Frye in free agency. He is quick on his feet, and would fit very well into their system and bring the veteran leadership that they need. Obviously the Pacers would have to add a first round pick or two into the deal to make Phoenix bite, but it’s a good start.

It doesn’t seem likely that Roy Hibbert holds much value when it comes to the Suns, especially because of his lack of athletic ability. That being said, the Suns did desperately need some helping defending the rim last year and Hibbert could offer that. George Hill is another name that has come up, but it doesn’t make sense as the Suns will have Dragic, Isaiah Thomas, and Tyler Ennis still on the roster.

Overall, this is going to be a very interesting situation to keep an eye on for the Pacers and their fans. If the Suns do decide to go ahead and move Bledsoe, Larry Bird needs to be the first one on the phone figuring out how to make a deal happen. Bledsoe would be a perfect combination alongside of George to take the Pacers places in the future, and if they can ship out either West or Hibbert in the process, the Pacers would be able to lock him up to a deal that he wants. Don’t be surprised to hear some Bledsoe to the Pacers rumors over the next few weeks.