The Phoenix Suns got plenty of eyes on veteran marksman Trevor Ariza before the Dec. 15 deadline passed, allowing the 15-year pro to be traded to another team after signing a one-year, $15 million deal with the team over the summer. Rumor had it that owner Robert Sarver refused to trade Ariza to the Los Angeles Lakers, given how the latter had benefited from a waiver-wire gift from these very Suns, who had waived Tyson Chandler in November.
Suns general manager James Jones shut down any notion of that being true, noting Sarver just wanted what was in best interest of the team:
“No. Throughout all of this, Robert has been adamant that his focus is on what helps the Suns grow and be the best,” said Jones, according to Gina Mizell of The Athletic. “That was inaccurate. Actually, if something could have worked out, Robert would have been a huge proponent, just because of that investment and understanding that Trevor and his family are (based) on the West Coast. If we can do right for both parties, it should make sense. There’s no reason why you wouldn’t do something that benefits both parties.”
The Suns reportedly tried to trade Ariza to the Lakers for Kentavious Caldwell Pope and Josh Hart, after the Lakers offered the same package but with a second-round draft pick instead of Hart, who they viewed as much more valuable than Ariza.
Phoenix ultimately wound up a confirmation away from finishing a three-team trade, one that ultimately resulted in a two-for-one swap with the Washington Wizards, getting Kelly Oubre Jr. and Austin Rivers — with the latter immediately waived after the trade was formally finalized.
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