Few players have generated as much trade buzz so far this season as Trevor Ariza. News broke yesterday from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns are engaged in talks to send Ariza to the Lakers to join forces with LeBron James.
The move would help Los Angeles add another veteran presence with abundant playoff experience in their young locker room. With their sights set on being as competitive as possible this year, having a versatile defender who can hit open shots is a need.
As for the Suns, the goal is to get some kind of return on a signing that didn’t pan out as well as they hoped. Ariza was brought in over the summer on a one-year, $15 million deal in order to help Phoenix take the next step as team. That hasn’t been the case, as the league’s last place Suns are showing they still have some work to do.
One of their biggest issues has been their point guard rotation, headed by a joint effort from Devin Booker, Elie Okobo, and Isaiah Canaan. Phoenix is looking to be taking back some type of assets in exchange for Trevor Ariza and the ability to solve their future problems at point guard could be the most favorable return for the Suns.
Here are a few ways the Lakers and Suns could make a trade for Trevor Ariza work for both teams.
5. A Straight Up Swap
Los Angeles receives:
Trevor Ariza
Phoenix recieves:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
This would be the simplest solution to getting a deal done for both sides. Outside of this, it is hard to imagine a trade being done without a third team involved, as Caldwell-Pope is the only way for Los Angeles to match salaries without giving up players they likely would rather hold on to.
KCP wouldn’t bring the ability to run the point the Suns would like to receive in return, but he would give them a little extra guard depth without taking on long-term money. This deal would likely also include the Lakers sending one or two second round picks as well, which would be the reason Phoenix pushes this trade through.
4. A Third Team Allows Phoenix to Get Their Point Guard
Los Angeles receives:
Trevor Ariza
Shake Milton
Philadelphia receives:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Phoenix receives:
Markelle Fultz
The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most highly discussed and reported teams that could help facilitate this trade.
In this trade scenario, originally suggested by Brandon Robinson, the Suns land a young point guard to develop and the Sixers get to solve their Fultz problem while adding extra defense and shooting. The Lakers would almost certainly be sending out a first round pick to Philly as well.
The only drawback would be a potential disinterest on Phoenix’s part to take on Fultz, as they would run the risk of him not becoming the player they need. Otherwise, this trade could be a win all around.
3. Another Three-Team Possibility
Los Angeles receives:
Trevor Ariza
Carmelo Anthony
Houston receives:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Phoenix receives:
Brandon Knight
There has been gaining traction surrounding the idea that the Houston Rockets could be the third team needed to make this trade work. The Rockets have been struggling with depth issues all season long, so adding an extra guard makes sense for them.
Bringing in Caldwell-Pope would bolster Houston’s abysmal defense and he does have an ability to shoot. He would fit well into what has mostly been a three-man guard rotation for the Rockets. This trade scenario could also pave the way for Houston to find a landing spot for Melo, who has been searching for a new place to call home.
The Lakers have stayed the most probable place for him, especially after LeBron James’s recent comments. Phoenix would bring back a familiar face in Brandon Knight, who was sent to the Rockets from Phoenix earlier this year. The main interest in the Suns agreeing to this exchange would revolve around the idea that they receive some pick compensation, likely second round picks, from one, if not both teams.
2. The Lakers Go All In
Los Angeles receives:
Trevor Ariza
Kemba Walker
Charlotte receives:
Brandon Ingram
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Dragan Bender
Phoenix receives:
Lonzo Ball
Bismack Biyombo
The will-they-won’t-they saga of the Charlotte Hornets possibly trading away Kemba Walker could end with a blockbuster three team trade. If the Lakers decide to push all their chips to the center of the table, they could make Walker their second star to join LeBron in the purple and gold.
The trade would allow the Lakers to free up over $57 million in cap room this offseason. This could allow them two max contract slots, while retaining Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, and the rights to sign Kemba Walker into the hard cap. If Los Angeles feels ready to move on from Ball and Ingram, this could be their best option.
Similarly, the Hornets may not see an offer better than this for Kemba on his expiring deal. This trade gives them the ability to bring back young talent, an expiring contract, and get rid of some salary in Biyombo. The Hornets may even be able to sneak away with picks, as well.
Phoenix would obviously get their point guard with heavy potential, without giving up any picks in the process.
1. The Biggest Blockbuster of Them All
Los Angeles receives:
Trevor Ariza
Anthony Davis
Tim Frazier
New Orleans receives:
Brandon Ingram
Kyle Kuzma
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Lance Stephenson
Michael Beasley
Phoenix receives:
Lonzo Ball
Solomon Hill
A trade sending Anthony Davis to the Lakers has been discussed recently, and this trade could be the vehicle to make it finally happen. New Orleans has seemed reluctant to the idea of letting go of their franchise player, but this could be the type of return needed to make them pull the trigger.
The Pelicans would likely receive at least two first round picks from the Lakers and possibly one from the Suns, possibly the Milwaukee pick, in addition to young players and expiring contracts. Getting away from Solomon Hill’s contract as well would help them transition into a new era of basketball without needing a rough rebuild.
Los Angeles would obviously have a highly coveted top player in the league and Phoenix would land their point guard. If New Orleans gives the green light on this deal, it would likely be met with little resistance.
The post Los Angeles Lakers’ 5 Trade Options for Trevor Ariza appeared first on ClutchPoints.
