Trevor Ariza was one of the most underrated signings that took place minutes into the start of free agency, as the Phoenix Suns quickly agreed to sign him to a one-year, $15 million deal.
Ariza left a Houston Rockets team that came a game away from reaching the NBA Finals, knowing the franchise would have trouble paying him his worth after doling out $160 million over four years for Chris Paul and having an impending restricted free agent in Clint Capela, who would be the team's next priority.
Yet the move a state over shocked many between NBA circles.
“Phoenix was the most aggressive team and the team that showed the most interest in me,” said Ariza on his welcoming presser, according to Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. “We all want to feel appreciated and wanted. When a team shows that much appreciation for what you do, naturally you are attracted to something like that.”
The longtime three-and-D specialist noted he will carry that same grit into his tenure with the Suns.
“I look at myself as a competitor, a winner, I do everything I can to try to make our team better everywhere I’ve been,” said Ariza, who will now team up with phenom Devin Booker and top-overall pick Deandre Ayton. “I know coming here is going to be a challenge. I’m up for the challenge. I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait to get started.”
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