Eric Bledsoe Close To Signing With Phoenix Suns; Boston Celtics’ Rajon Rondo Says He Will Return This Season

The Phoenix Suns are reportedly in talks with Eric Bledsoe about a contract extension that could be finalized before the start of the 2013-14 NBA season or before the Oct. 31 deadline.

Bledsoe, who was acquired by the Suns in an offseason trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, has only played six preseason games in a Phoenix Suns jersey, but general manager Ryan McDonough believes that the 23-year-old point guard has a lot of upsides in his game.

"With Eric, there's more projection. Some would say there's more risk, but I'd also counter that there's more upside," McDonough said in an interview with Arizona Sports 620's Burns and Gambo show. "He does some unique things athletically. I think he's the best shot-blocking guard in the league. If he plays extended minutes, which he will for us, I think he might lead the league in steals. He has a unique potential."

The Suns have until Oct. 31 to strike an extension deal with Bledsoe, who will become a restricted free agent next offseason if a deal will not be finalized before the deadline.

McDonough said that the goal is to finalize an extension, but they will also be ready next summer in case an agreement will not be reached before the final day of signing contract extensions.

"If we're not able to work out a deal by Oct. 31, we would start next summer with Eric as a restricted free agent, but obviously we're hoping to get something done before that," McDonough said.

Meanwhile, Rajon Rondo refuted speculations that he could miss the entire 2013-14 NBA season as he recovers from an ACL injury in his right knee.

Rondo, who underwent surgery in February, said that he will come back this season and his return date depends on when he can perform a dunk off his right leg, while also promising that he will be as aggressive as before when he returns to action.

"Whenever I'm able to jump off my right leg and probably dunk, that's when I think I'll be back to play," Rondo said in an interview with Boston Globe. "Once I get back out there, I want to go full speed. I don't want any limitation. That's when I'll return, when I'm able to do that."