The Washington Wizards have finally acquired Trevor Ariza after a wild first attempt to acquire the veteran. The original three-team deal, involving the Memphis Grizzlies, fell apart dramatically. The trade fell apart because the Phoenix Suns and the Grizzlies were unable to agree on whether MarShon Brooks or Dillon Brooks would be dealt to Phoenix. The Wizards and Suns decided to try again, excluding the Grizzlies this time around.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN broke the news Saturday morning.
Wizards are trading Austin Rivers and Kelly Oubre to the Suns, league sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/GmbeUXzZT3
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
Report: Phoenix Suns Trade Trevor Ariza To Washington Wizards
Who Is Involved?
The Wizards decided to send Austin Rivers and Kelly Oubre Jr. to the Suns. Rivers’ stint in Washington did not really live up to the hype. He was struggling from the perimeter and struggled to make a huge impact for the Wizards. He’s averaging 7.2 points per game and is currently on an expiring contract.
Oubre was a real bright spot for the Wizards and was showing great improvement. He is an athletic, young wing and should fit pretty well with the Suns’ young core. He is making $3.2 million this season and could enter restricted free agency after the campaign ends. The 23-year-old is averaging a career-high 12.9 points per game.
Ariza will make his return to the Wizards and try to re-energize the team. The 33-year-old was in his first season with the Suns after signing a one-year deal in the off-season. He was playing significant minutes (34 minutes per game) while averaging 9.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest.
Takeaways
This trade should help out both teams. The Suns were able to get rid of a player who was unlikely to re-sign while gaining some promising, young talent. The Suns appear to be trying to acquire as much dynamic, young talent as they can. It will be interesting to see if they are finally able to show for it, in terms of wins.
The Wizards will welcome home a veteran wing who can add toughness and versatility to the roster. Ariza will also help space the floor and help solidify the defense. It will be interesting to see how this trade impacts their season in a tough Eastern Conference.
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