After a crazy Friday night which saw Trevor Ariza traded in a three-way trade only to have it fall apart moments after, Ariza is on the move again. Washington and Phoenix weren’t happy with Memphis backing out and decided to make a new deal.
Phoenix’s Ariza Traded for Washington’s Oubre and Rivers
Trade Details
Wizards get: SF Trevor Ariza
Suns get: SG/SF Kelly Oubre and PG/SG Austin Rivers
Washington Wizards
The Wizards are a mess. Loaded with talent, especially in the backcourt, they should be competing to be a top team in the Eastern Conference. Instead, there is dysfunction within the team and the Wizards are making their second trade in a week to try and improve the roster.
Washington believes Ariza’s defence and three-point shooting will help the offence help spread the floor. The Wizards have been using Otto Porter as a power forward and will likely pair Ariza right next to him in the starting lineup. They have been using the versatile Tomas Satoransky as the starting three recently. Matching Ariza with Porter could open up the lane for John Wall and Bradley Beal to operate. Washington will save money by unloading Oubre and not suffer from his cap hit next summer.
The Wizards are still in no shape to make a splash in free agency. I believe Washington thinks they got the better of this deal, but I’m not as hot on the deal for the Wizards.
Grade: C
Phoenix Suns
Ariza was never a good fit for the Suns ever since he signed with them this summer. Phoenix has been desperately struggling to find any kind of consistency at point guard all season. Rivers may not be the answer but he might be more stable than the three-headed monster they’ve been using. He could also conceivably come off the bench as a combo guard as well. With TJ Warren likely remaining as the power forward, either Josh Jackson or rookie Mikal Bridges is probably the new starting three in Phoenix.
New addition Oubre is likely slated as a backup wing for the Suns. Once Devin Booker is healthy, the Suns’ roster will have some younger depth. Oubre has a qualifying offer for next season, meaning he will be a restricted free agent and Phoenix can match any offer he signs. If he can prove he can help the Suns, I think there is a huge chance they keep him.
Grade: B
Last Word
The Wizards are hoping Ariza can help get the Wizards to make a deep playoff run. However, Washington’s problems run deeper than getting a shooter. I do not think Washington is done dealing. If the Wizards continue to struggle, I would not be surprised to see Wall dealt at some point close to the trade deadline. This deal does not automatically make the Phoenix Suns a better team, but adding a young player in Kelly Oubre and a guard who can help the point guard spot was a deal worth making.
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