Report: Bledsoe requested trade in preseason, was criticized by Suns

Eric Bledsoe's public trade demand came as a surprise to many, but perhaps not within the Phoenix Suns organization.

Back in the preseason, Bledsoe met with Suns owner Robert Sarver and general manager Ryan McDonough and informed them he wanted out, sources told ESPN's Chris Haynes. He cited the team's personnel moves, swings and misses in free agency, and overall direction as reasons he no longer wished to stay.

Management reportedly responded by telling Bledsoe the team hadn't played to its ability since he became the starting point guard, which was just after his arrival via trade from the Los Angeles Clippers in 2013.

Bledsoe averaged 18.8 points, six assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in a Suns uniform. Phoenix didn't make the playoffs during that span, or at all since Steve Nash was running the team in 2009-10. The Suns came close in 2013-14, when they finished one game back of the eighth seed.

In the past two seasons, they've ranked near the bottom of league standings, and got off to the worst start in NBA history this year.

That prompted Bledsoe to tweet "I don't wanna be here," and the Suns to fire head coach Earl Watson and members of his coaching staff just five days into 2017-18.

Related: Booker upset Suns fired Watson, understands Bledsoe's position

When asked about the tweet, Bledsoe told McDonough he was referring to wanting to leave a hair salon, which the exec found hard to believe. The Suns have since deactivated the floor general - for good, it seems - as they attempt to move him.

Related: 3 logical trade destinations for Bledsoe

The rebuilding Suns seek a young, talented player in return for the 27-year-old.