Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
After nearly three months of free agency, with apparently little to no progress being made on negotiations in which the two sides were reportedly apart by over $30 million, a deal has finally been agreed upon that will make Eric Bledsoe a Phoenix Sun for the next five years, at a salary that will average $14 million per season.
According to Yahoo! Sports, the deal is fully guaranteed for all five years with no player options.
Although the Suns initial offer to Bledsoe which was reported to be 4 years and $48 million was thought to be fair market value by most NBA analysts, bloggers, and columnists, Bledsoe and his agent, Rich Paul, were pushing for the full max deal of 5 years and over $80 million.
The Suns GM Ryan McDonough had publicly stated that Phoenix would match any offer for Bledsoe, but those offers never came…not one.
SB Nation – Bright Side of the Sun
Eric Bledsoe is getting paid.
Just 24 years old and coming off a (semi) breakout season, Bledsoe is on the upside of his career. His numbers last season weren’t gaudy (17 ppg, 5.5 apg, 4.7 rpg), but he’s loaded with potential.
5 years ago and at a similar stage of his career, Rondo signed his 5 year, $55 million deal. Danny Ainge was universally lauded for that deal. That’s the type of deal Phoenix originally wanted for Bledsoe. But they ended up overpaying now, with the hopes Bledsoe’s skills will surpass his contract value in a few years.
How do these guys stack up?
Neither are pure shooters. Bledsoe has better range, but lacks the mid-range game of Rondo. Rondo is the better passer and floor general, Bledsoe the better defender. Both are excellent rebounders for their position. Bledsoe has no-where near the playoff cred of Rondo. And there are injury concerns with Bledsoe. In 2 of his 4 seasons he’s played 40 and 43 games.
If I had to pick either one to play point guard on my team for the next 5 years, I’d take Rondo. I absolutely love his passing and toughness.
So… will this contract have any bearing on Rondo’s impending free agency?
The quick answer is no.
Rondo is going to get a 5 year deal ranging from $85 – $100 million. As we’ve pointed out many times, with the salary cap expected to grow significantly in the coming years, the Celtics can afford to overpay Rondo and not have it limit their ability to sign other stars.
The rest of the links:
CSNNE – Take your pick: Rondo or Bledsoe? | ESPN Boston – Don’t try to guess C’s rotation
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