After another disappointing post-season run, the Milwaukee Bucks are set to part ways with guard Eric Bledsoe, per Chris Sheridan at BasketballNews.com.
In his recent column, Sheridan highlights the multitude of offseason obstacles the ostensible beast in the East face. That includes the fact that everyone around the league is aware of Bledsoe’s availability.
“It is an open secret in the NBA that the Bucks are going to try to trade Eric Bledsoe, although no current trade discussions are taking place, a league source said on Thursday,” Sheridan explained.
The All-Defensive guard averaged 11.7 points during this year’s playoffs. He shot an abysmal 38.8% from the field and 25% from downtown. Bledsoe’s defensive prowess is amongst the best in the league. It’s his ineptitude on offense once the playoffs roll around that comprises the Bucks.
Sheridan notes that it’s the uncertainty regarding the salary cap precluding any trade talks from emerging. The 30-year-old will make $38.9 million over the next three years. Teams will be reluctant to take an aging, under-performing playoff player for that price.
“So the league and the Players Association must first figure out what the salary cap will be next season, along with when the season will start and whether fans will be allowed into arenas. That is the reason why the Bucks are not actively trying to trade Bledsoe. They are in a holding pattern, like every other NBA team.”
Is Bledsoe Just a Scapegoat?
Although Bledsoe is subpar come post-season, he’s surely not the one to blame for Milwaukee’s shortcomings. Antetokounmpo’s predictable offense and Middleton’s inconsistencies are pertinent to the problem as well. Not to mention Budenholzer has no qualms with his reluctance to adapt his game plans. Much to Milwaukee’s failure, Bledsoe is simply their scapegoat.
Unfortunately, it appears Bledsoe’s tenure with Bucks is coming to an end. The only question is, who will succeed him, and will they take them over the top?
