Drafted in the second round of the 2004 NBA Draft by way of the New York Knicks, defensive-minded Trevor Ariza has come a long way with multiple teams. From the Knickerbockers to the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers to the Houston Rockets with stops through New Orleans and Washington along the way, he's eventually settled in Houston (during this, his second stint).
Now, he's looking for that payday, something in between $50-$60 million, according to sources close with Kelly Iko of USA Today.
Ariza, 32, who'll turn 33 on June 30, will become an unrestricted free agent. He played out the final year of a four-year deal with the Rockets this past season, one in which he started 67 of the 67 games he dressed.
The veteran averaged 11.7 points on a .412 clip from the field while also chipping in with 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 steals a night. Since entering the league 14 years ago, Ariza's always maintained his hustle and defensive-minded ways first—a perfect blend and stark contrast to the offensive-only basketball ways of superstar James Harden.
Entering the Summer of 2018, it'll be Ariza's new employer, CAA Sports, who'll seek that hard-earned $50-$60 million contract. CAA signed both Philadelphia 76ers guard J.J. Redick and Ariza prior to last season.
Ariza's prowess on the court aside, his destiny will ultimately be decided by one major factor: LeBron James.
The King and Houston is already a tightly-locked rumor. Should James take those talents to Texas, Ariza's payday with his current team might be tough to come by. If James opts to play elsewhere, Ariza may not have to look for a seventh NBA employer.
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