Suns' Eric Bledsoe blames contract uncertainty on CBA

Restricted free agency rules are apparently the cause behind Eric Bledsoe's unresolved contract negotiations with the Phoenix Suns.

As Bledsoe seeks a max deal, the Suns appear set on waiting for the guard to accept their terms. General manager Ryan McDonough stated the team's eagerness to retain Bledsoe and that any offer sheet from other teams around the league would be matched. It's a dilemma Bledsoe could avoid if he were an unrestricted free agent.

"First off, I'm letting my agent, Rich Paul, handle it," Bledsoe told Kyle Burger of WVTM-TV. "I can understand the Phoenix Suns are using [being a] restricted free agent against me. But I can understand that."

He and the Suns will have to find a middle ground since Phoenix are hoping to keep him around with a four-year deal worth $48 million, while he reportedly wants a max deal worth $80 million.

[H/T CBS]