Despite losing All-Star point guard John Wall for the season due to heel surgery, the Washington Wizards plan to keep veteran small forward Trevor Ariza on the team, according to Ben Standig and Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington.
The Wizards acquired Trevor Ariza from the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 17 and were banking on John Wall, shooting guard Bradley Beal and Ariza to lead Washington to the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
Wall underwent season-ending surgery on his left heel in December, but it looks like Ariza will remain in the nation's capital and not be traded at the February trade deadline.
Even before [Ted] Leonsis’ comments, sources to NBC Sports Washington coupled with other factors indicated the Wizards’ plan to keep Ariza for the remainder of the season, despite the impact of John Wall’s season-ending heel surgery.
In 16 games with the Wizards, Ariza is averaging 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 37.2 percent from the field, 31.0 percent from beyond the arc and 81.0 percent from the free-throw line.
Washington is 20-26 on the season, good for ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Wizards are two games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Team owner Ted Leonsis recently said he has no plans to tank and wants the team to make the postseason.
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