2014 NBA Free Agency Rumors & Predictions: Eric Bledsoe Wants Full Max Contract! Phoenix Suns Not Willing To Give In! Isaiah Thomas Acquisition 'Insurance' Just In Case Star Guard Bolts!

The 2014 NBA Free Agency Rumors & Predictions are focusing on the second type of free agents-the restricted ones. These players do not have full control of where they're going-only the price. Eric Bledsoe is making the most of it.

Bledsoe is the star point guard of the Phoenix Suns. They actually have two with Goran Dragic and they just acquired a rising star in Isaiah Thomas, whom they have publicly pursued. Many observers were surprised to see them being aggressive towards a point guard when they probably have the best tandem in the league. The only explanation is their preparation for this moment. Thomas, and also first round draft choice Tyler Ennis, would serve as 'insurance' if Bledsoe leaves.

The athletic Kentucky standout has always played behind or alongside another great point guard. In college, he played behind John Wall. With the LA Clippers, he played behind Chris Paul and with the Suns, he played alongside Dragic. Maybe it's time he became THE point guard of a team.

ESPN reports:

"The future of one of the most talented free agents left on the market remains cloudy, as Eric Bledsoe and the Phoenix Suns remain far apart in contract talks, according to sources close to the situation.

The Suns have offered Bledsoe a four-year, $48 million contract, but the point guard wants a maximum five-year, $80 million deal, league sources said.

A restricted free agent, Bledsoe averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season."

The Suns don't even have to extend an offer as they can just match anything that Bledsoe signs. However, the preoccupation with LeBron James and the other top free agents seems to have stalled that. Also, the fact that the Suns boldly declared that they will match any offer may have scared off suitors who think they'll just waste their time.

But with the news coming out and the numbers being far apart, it may entice a desperate team into a huge offer. It should also be noted that Bledsoe is handled by LeBron James' agent, the King has expressed fondness for the player they called "Little LeBron" because of his athleticism.

Unfortunately, Cleveland does not have the cap space to make the bid.