Phoenix Suns: Analyzing an Ariza trade with the Lakers and Nets

There are rumors of the Phoenix Suns sending Trevor Ariza to the Lakers in a three team deal including the Nets. Who would the trade consist of?

It has become inevitable that Trevor Ariza will be traded before finishing his only season with the Suns. When signing him to a $15 million 1-year deal, the goal was for this veteran was his presence to teach the young core of players while leading them on the court. However, less than two months into the season and his lack of effort coupled with the team’s inability to be somewhat competitive has led to a necessary departure with Ariza playing for a better team and the Phoenix Suns acquiring assets.

Phoenix Suns

Currently averaging less than 10 points a game, shooting just around 35% from three and not performing to the same level defensively as he did in Houston, the Lakers have hoped to revitalize his season. It seems like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the most likely player to be sent out in a trade, and as his fit in Phoenix both short and long term is very questionable, a third team to help the deal finalize has been a necessity.

All people have heard out of the Suns front office within the past few months have been their dire need for a point guard. Phoenix should have no desire to acquire Rajon Rondo, and Lonzo Ball is not being sent anywhere except for a star.

This is where the Nets come in. While neither are a star guard that will get the Phoenix Suns out of the lottery, D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie would both be massive improvements that can help the Suns resemble a legitimate NBA team.

With the Nets assistant GM Trajan Langdon attending the Suns Spurs game, and Ariza’s recent DNP even though being healthy, it looks like trade talks are advancing. Having KCP sent to the Nets along with draft picks should an interesting package for the Nets, the Lakers will add a veteran piece and Phoenix can grab a point guard.

Now for Suns fans, if the potential for this deal is as serious as it looks, the question becomes D-Lo or Dinwiddie.