The L.A. Lakers are reportedly interested in a sign-and-trade centered around Phoenix Suns restricted point guard, Eric Bledsoe.
According to the report, the Suns are targeting Julius Randle and a first-round pick in return.
Hearing that Lakers have moved to front of the Eric Bledsoe sign-and-trade line. Suns want Julius Randle + HOU first-rounder.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 20, 2014
Randle couldn’t be included in a trade until the middle of August at the earliest.
FWIW – Julius Randle can't be traded until 8/13/14 – I do not expect the Lakers to trade him – just passing on the fact
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 20, 2014
Jon Bloom of Arizona Sports 98.7 confirmed the report.
My source in L.A. is pushing Lakers to offer Julius Randle, Jordan Hill & 1st Rd Pick from Lin deal in sign & trade for Bledsoe. #Hmmmm
— Jon Bloom (@JonBloom) July 18, 2014
In theory the trade sounds intriguing, but are the Lakers really interested in giving Bledsoe a max contract and parting with a potential franchise cornerstone in Randle?