After finalizing a new contract for point guard Chris Paul earlier in the day, the Clippers got down to the work of moving backup point guard Eric Bledsoe somewhere he could get more minutes and be more productive, while also addressing a need in a three team trade with the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.
The deal sees Bledsoe and Caron Butler join the Suns, while J.J. Redick and Jared Dudley go to the Clippers, and the Milwaukee Bucks get multiple second round draft picks.
Bledsoe, a 23 year old point guard out of Kentucky, averaged 8.5 points and 3.1 assists per game in just over 20 minutes per game with the Clippers. The young guard was quickly becoming a rising young potential point guard and was sought after in trade discussions by a number of teams. He should be able to start next season for the Suns. The Clippers were forced to move Bledsoe as they were likely to lose him as a restricted free agent next summer, as they would be unable to match other team’s offers for a player who would still be Chris Paul’s backup.
In Butler the Suns acquire a small forward who averaged 10.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game for the Clippers last season. The veteran has a contract that will expire after the 2013-14 NBA season.
Jared Dudley, 28 next season, is a versatile swingman with good defensive skills. In addition to his defence, he will provide an added three point shooting threat to the Clippers. He averaged 10.9 points and 3.1 points per game, coming off the Bench for Phoenix last year.
The deal essentially breaks down in two parts. The Clippers traded Butler and Bledsoe to the Suns for Dudley and a 2nd round pick. Following that, the second part of the deal was a sign and trade. J.J. Redick signed a 4 year, $27 million deal with the Bucks before being traded to the Clippers. In exchange the Bucks receive the Suns second round pick (previously acquired by LA) and a second round pick from the Clippers.
In Redick the Clippers get the real three point sharpshooter they lacked. Redick averaged 14.1 points and 3.8 assists per game last season playing approximately 30 minutes per game split between the Orlando Magic and the Bucks last season. The sharpshooter is a career 39.0% three point shooter.
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Photo Credit: Doubleclutchhoops.com, CC
