NBA Rumors: Rockets, Mavericks, Pistons, Clippers, Suns after Trevor Ariza
Washington Wizards’ swingman Trevor Ariza is coming off the best season of his career.
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It comes at the perfect time for Ariza, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday when free agency officially begins.
The Los Angeles Lakers, who lost Ariza in 2009, are said to be interested in bringing him back (and are also interested in Phoenix Suns’ free agent big man Channing Frye).
According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles, the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns are also interested in Ariza.
"If they are unable to land Anthony or James, the Lakers are also expected to have a strong interest in Washington free-agent forward Trevor Ariza, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, Detroit center Greg Monroe and Phoenix forward Channing Frye, according to sources.Ariza, 29, was a key part of the Lakers 2009 NBA championship team, but left after the team chose to sign Ron Artest to a five-year deal following the season. The former UCLA star is coming off a career season with the Washington Wizards, in which he averaged 14.4 points and posted career highs in field goal percentage (45.6), 3-point percentage (40.7) and rebounds (6.2).The Washington Post reported last month that the Wizards would like to re-sign him.The Rockets, Mavericks, Pistons, Clippers and Suns are all expected to pursue Ariza once free agency opens on July 1, according to sources."
Ariza averaged 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game last season. He shot 45.6% from the field, 40.7% from beyond the arc and 77.2% from the free throw line.