The Phoenix Suns are expected to trade Trevor Ariza and several teams are interested in acquiring the veteran forward, including the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Suns were in advanced talks to move Ariza to the Washington Wizards before the deal fell through. The proposed agreement would have been a tough blow for the Lakers, who are looking to acquire veterans to improve their chances in the 2018 NBA Playoffs.
Before the proposed trade that would send Ariza to the Wizards, the Suns and the Lakers were reportedly engaged in trade talks. However, according to NBA insider David Aldridge of The Athletic, a source close to the situation revealed that Suns owner Robert Sarver appears unwilling to send Ariza to the Lakers.
Due to Sarver's unwillingness to move Ariza to Los Angeles, the Suns shifted their focus on other possible deals. The Wizards want to acquire Ariza in the hope of adding toughness and defensive punch to their struggling team. However, the Suns and the Wizards need to find a third team to facilitate a trade.
Per source, Suns owner Robert Sarver was adamant that he would not send Trevor Ariza to the Lakers, so Phoenix pivoted to other options. Wizards desperate for toughness/defensive grit, and would have had difficulty re-signing Oubre next summer.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) December 15, 2018
It remains to be seen whether or not the Suns and the Lakers would revisit trade talks for Trevor Ariza. The Lakers are reportedly high on Ariza, who could bring improvements to the team on both ends of the floor. Moving to the Lakers would be a homecoming for the veteran forward, having won a title with the franchise in 2009.
According to Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times, the Suns asked for young prospects in exchange for Ariza. However, the Lakers made it clear that they will not move Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart in any deal for the 33-year-old forward.
Trevor Ariza, who signed a one-year deal worth $15 million this summer, is averaging 9.9 points and 5.6 rebounds this season. Before moving to Phoenix, Ariza was a key player in his four-season stint with the Houston Rockets.
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