The Phoenix Suns have acquired backup point guard Eric Bledsoe and small forward Caron Butler from the Los Angeles Clippers in a three team deal on Tuesday. Heading to the Clippers will be J.J. Redick in a sign-and-trade deal, as the sharpshooter will receive a four-year, $27 million deal and will also receive Jared Dudley, while the Milwaukee Bucks acquired two second-round picks.
What does this mean for the Clippers?
For Los Angeles the team benefits by helping out stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin by getting a sharpshooter in Redick who shot 36.6% from downtown while averaging 14.1 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game last year. The 6’4” shooting guard also plays solid defense, something the Clippers have done well in the past few years.
The Clippers have certainly done well this off-season, as they got a new head coach in Doc Rivers, re-signed Paul, and added two sharpshooters in Redick and Dudley.
What does this mean for the Suns?
The Suns made an excellent trade, acquiring Bledsoe and Butler for Dudley and a second-round pick. Bledsoe put together a respectable 2012 season, serving as a backup behind Paul. The 23-year-old just played over 20 minutes per game last season, averaging 8.5 points, 3.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game.
Bledsoe is a great defender who has the potential to lead a team like the Suns. He is the type of player that could block a shot on defense and within seconds make a driving lay up or dunk on offense.
What does this mean for the Bucks?
The Bucks just lost yet another solid player. Reddick wasn’t going to resign with the Bucks anyway, so they made the right move to practically receive two free second-round draft picks.
The team has already lost Monta Ellis and Mike Dunleavy Jr., so their team is starting to regress fast. Brandon Jennings is also a restricted free agent, so it will be up to the organization whether or not to match the offer sheet for Jennings.