Roy Hibbert Opts In: Pacers Now Look To Trade Him
Apr 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) dribbles against the Utah Jazz at US Airways Center. The Suns won 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight
Hey… a man can dream right? This would only be possible if the Suns regret the 5 year $70 million contract they gave Bledsoe last off-season, or if they’re unable to agree on a long term deal with Knight who’s a restricted free agent.
The Suns played small ball last year, pairing Dragic and Bledsoe in the back-court with the Morris twins and Alex Len up front. The Suns traded Dragic to the Heat, acquiring point guard Brandon Knight, who was mostly injured towards the end of the year.
I just don’t think Phoenix has a good enough roster in the western conference to play small ball. They drafted sharpshooter Devin Booker out of Kentucky, and will need to get him playing time. He may come off the bench initially, but ultimately you would expect Booker to start at shooting guard for the Suns.
Once Booker gets the start, you’d think Bledsoe or Knight will need to be moved. Hibbert alone wouldn’t be enough, but perhaps Hibbert and a future 1st round pick could do the trick?
Suns get a rim protector in Hibbert, who they can decide if they want to keep around, or let walk at the end of the season. They would then have $15 million in cap space, as well as a 1st round pick going into the new TV deal year.
The Pacers would add a point guard, allowing them to move George Hill to shooting guard, and really push the up-tempo pace they’ve talked about.