Phoenix Suns Rumors: Eric Bledsoe, Suns Far Apart in Contract Negotiations; Rockets, Heat Pursue 'Mini-LeBron' [VIDEO]

The Phoenix Suns and restricted free agent Eric Bledsoe are not moving any closer to a deal as the two sides remain far apart in negotiations.

Being a restricted free agent, the Suns can match any deal that Bledsoe receives on the open market. Bledsoe has been clear in his demands from the Suns and says he will not sign for anything less than a max deal.

ESPN’s Chris Broussard believes that Bledsoe’s situation could get messy considering many teams are avoiding the point guard due to the Suns’ willingness to match any offer he receives.

“The thought that the Suns will match any offer Bledsoe receives from a competing club has deterred teams from aggressively pursuing the 24-year-old point guard. Phoenix has thus far refused to discuss potential sign-and-trade opportunities.”

Other teams are convinced that the Suns are attempting to move away from Bledsoe after completing a sign-and-trade deal for Isaiah Thomas and drafting Tyler Ennis. The Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings have expressed interest in Bledsoe, but many believe that the Miami Heat could pursue him if the money works within their salary cap.

Bledsoe averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season for the surprising Suns as they finished 48-34, missing the playoffs by one game.

Even if that is Deng, the Heat should consider offering Eric Bledsoe (though I'm not sure they could make it happen cap-wise.)

— Dieter Kurtenbach (@dkurtenbach) July 15, 2014

Best of remaining FAs: Greg Monroe, Eric Bledsoe, Shawn Marion, Glen Davis, Andray Blatche, Al-Farouq Aminu, Ramon Sessions, Ed Davis... — Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 17, 2014