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Milwaukee Bucks acquire Eric Bledsoe for Greg Monroe, pick

By Michael Saenz

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 13: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA preseason game against the Brisbane Bullets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 13: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA preseason game against the Brisbane Bullets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NBA Trade Rumors: The Milwaukee Bucks traded Greg Monroe and a first-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Eric Bledsoe; are they contenders in the East?

The Milwaukee Bucks are all-in.

In addition to up-and-coming superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, second-year sensation Malcolm Brogdon and sharpshooting Khris Middleton, the Bucks are now adding Eric Bledsoe to their core.

The Bucks and Phoenix Suns finalized a trade Tuesday morning. In the deal, the Bucks will receive Bledsoe in exchange for Greg Monroe, a first-round pick and second-round picks.

It had been previously reported that the Suns were interested in second-year guard Malcolm Brogdon, but it’s now clear that Phoenix decided to cut ties with Bledsoe now that they had the chance. Even if they weren’t getting a big haul in return.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

"[via ESPN]Phoenix finalizing deal to send Eric Bledsoe to Milwaukee for Greg Monroe and a first-round draft pick, sources tell @ZachLowe_NBA and me."

With Cleveland in the midst of their worst stretch since LeBron James made his illustrious return and the Boston Celtics still trying to identify their ceiling after losing Gordon Hayward, the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t actually entirely out of the running in the misunderstood Eastern Conference.

That’s why trading for Bledsoe, even if it cost them a first-rounder (and one of their important veterans) was a great outcome for Milwaukee. The fact that the Bucks didn’t have to include Malcolm Brogdon or Jabari Parker (who is currently injured) in the deal is icing on the cake.

As for the Suns, well they didn’t come out looking horrible either. Despite the circumstances, the fact that Phoenix managed to wiggle out a first-round pick for their disgruntled star isn’t terrible. Monroe is an expiring contract, so his addition isn’t really a big deal. However, getting a first-round pick on a sunk cost is not the worst thing that could’ve come of this.

Must Read: NBA: 5 hypothetical trades that make sense

Was this an ideal move for the Suns? Absolutely not. But it could’ve been worse. Phoenix made the best of a bad situation.

Question for the Bucks now is, how far will this push them up the hierarchy in the East? Could they now challenge in the East?

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