New York Knicks: Realistic trade options at point guard

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PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 13: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Pelicans defeated the Suns 110-108. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns

Age: 27 (12/9/1989)
Experience: 7 Seasons
2016-17 Slash Line: .434/.335/.847
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.0 MPG, 21.1 PPG, 6.3 APG, 4.8 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.6 3PM

The New York Knicks have reached out to the Phoenix Suns about the potential availability of point guard Eric Bledsoe. It will be difficult to trade for a player of Bledsoe’s magnitude, but if New York can pull it off, it would be a dream scenario.

New York wants a veteran point guard who can drive the lane, defend at a respectable level, and space the floor, and Bledsoe checks all three boxes.

Bledsoe is amongst the most well-rounded players in the NBA. He’s an elite slasher, an acceptable shooter with 3-point range, a quality facilitator, a productive rebounder, and a capable defensive player who has thrived in a lockdown role before.

With a top-flight skill—driving—and an at least average skill level in literally every other area, Bledsoe has the tools to consistently contribute at a high level.

The X-Factor here is that Bledsoe spent the better part of three seasons playing for current Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek. He posted tremendous years under Hornacek in 2013-14, 2014-15, and 2015-16, and could build upon his best campaign yet, 2016-17, in New York.

Bledsoe ranked No. 11 in the NBA in points via drives per game in 2016-17, and shot better on the drive than all but three players ahead of him.

That makes him the perfect complement to Frank Ntilikina, who needs a slashing complement at the position.

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