Tue, Nov 7, 2017 at 1:40pm

BUCKS STEAL BLEDSOE FROM SUNS

The Milwaukee Bucks acquired combo guard Eric Bledsoe from the Phoenix Suns for power forward / center Greg Monroe, a protected 1st-round draft pick in 2018, and a protected 2nd-round draft pick in 2018.

What does it give the Milwaukee Bucks
This is simply a heist by the Bucks. In Bledsoe, Milwaukee is bringing in an All-Star level talent who can start at either guard position, and the Bucks are also actually shedding salary while doing it. Moreover, they aren't having to give up a top-tier draft pick. Bledsoe is exactly what Milwaukee needs to be a playoff threat: he's a stellar perimeter scorer in his prime, one who can take the pressure off rising superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he can make the other players around him better at both ends of the floor. This is a coup for Milwaukee.

What does it give the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix management has made a string of dubious decisions in recent years, and this is just more of the same. Monroe is an above-average backup big man, but he's no longer a star; and the fact the first-round pick is protected means the Suns won't likely be landing a star for the future with it to replace Bledsoe. Even worse, Monroe has a salary that's significantly higher than Bledsoe's this season. While Suns management will likely spin this as an 'addition by subtraction' deal that improves team morale, as far as talent goes Phoenix is losing a lot here.

Fantasy impact
Bledsoe's fantasy value probably stays the same as it was before the Suns suspended him. He goes from sharing shots with Devin Booker to sharing shots with Antetokounmpo, and on paper that's a wash. On the Bucks roster, expect Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon, and (once he's healthy) Jabari Parker to lose some value since they'll probably see fewer shot attempts moving ahead. John Henson likely gets a nice fantasy upgrade, since he looks locked into the Milwaukee starting center gig now that Henson is gone and Thon Maker is struggling. On the Phoenix side of the swap, this deal probably ensures regular minutes the rest of this season for Tyler Ulis and the underrated Mike James at point guard replacing Bledsoe. The arrival of Monroe probably puts a dent in the fantasy fortunes of Alex Len and Marquese Chriss, since Monroe has a chance to push for starts alongside fellow post-playing vet Tyson Chandler.