The NBA Trade Rumors get a full boost when Eric Bledsoe was reportedly being shopped by Phoenix. The Suns allegedly decided that the relationship with the athletic guard has been strained, and they need to move on.

First of all, the report that the Suns are breaking ties with their star guard came from local sportscaster Jude LaCava on Fox Sports 910 Radio. His comments transcribed by Bright Side of the Sun:

"I'll tell you this, and I think this is the first time it's reported. I do believe in my NBA sources. You can take this to the bank, so to speak, the Suns are now discussing trade possibilities for Eric Bledsoe."

"That's the new chapter to this and I wouldn't back off of that information. I think it's 100% correct."

That's as definitive as they come. On that assumption, where would Bledsoe end up?

Because of Bledsoe's restricted free agency status, his high asking price and lack of offer sheets, the Suns have all the leverage. And their choice is to 'trade up.'

Bright Side of the Sun defines what 'trade up' means:

"By trading up, I mean sending out multiple players for one clearly better player.  An example that most Suns fans should be familiar with is the Charles Barkley trade.  Phoenix sent the Philadelphia 76ers Tim Perry, Andrew Lang, and future Suns coach Jeff Hornacek in exchange for Sir Charles."

So Bledsoe will not be traded for draft picks and expiring contracts. The receiving team must also be prepared to pay Bledsoe more than the $ 12 million the Suns are offering. The team should also be desperate for a star/point guard.

The usual 'star chasers' who got bombed this offseason would be very interested. The Houston Rockets, LA Lakers and New York Knicks would probably be willing to pay north of $ 12 MM for Bledsoe. But who could they offer that would constitute a 'trade up?'

On the speculation side, the Lakers main asset would be Julius Randle and they could also send Steve Nash to Phoenix for sentimental reasons-but it's highly unlikely.

The Rockets could offer Patrick Beverley, Donatas Montiejunas  but that's also not trading up.

The Knicks are shopping  Amare Stoudemire's expiring contract and they're hoping to snare an asset for that, but none would match the Suns' new criteria.

We'll be covering all developments on this front. Book it.