Trevor Ariza exemplifies a lot of the characteristics NBA teams are hoping their players could embody as a group — toughness, grit, willingness to win at all costs and a veteran savvy that can only be earned with several years of service. The Phoenix Suns, a young team with plenty of lessons to learn, was surprisingly eager to trade Ariza, but according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, this was all part of a “mutual” decision.
This choice seems somewhat inexplicable, given that Ariza willingly joined the Suns for one year and $15 million this summer, knowing exactly what kind of team he'd be joining after they sported the worst record in the league last season.
Yet Ariza has said in multiple interviews that he doesn't regret his decision to sign with the Suns.
Young players valued and respected him, even Josh Jackson, who at times was forced to play behind him in the rotation.
“I’m going to miss him for sure,” said Jackson of Ariza.
The Suns initially tried to trade Ariza back to the Los Angeles Lakers, but their aim at second-year shooting guard Josh Hart failed, later causing the ire of owner Robert Sarver.
All in all, Ariza's departure should free up more time for Jackson or Kelly Oubre Jr. — two players who would likely battle it out for the rest of the season in order to stake a claim at a contract extension.
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