NBA Rumors: Several teams to make a run at Trevor Ariza
The Washington Wizards had their best season in some time.
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They finished with a record of 44-38, fifth-best in the Eastern Conference and returned to the postseason. They took down the Chicago Bulls in five games in the first round before falling to the Indiana Pacers in six games in the second round.
The Wizards are obviously led by all-star point guard John Wall, but their lineup is extremely balanced. Shooting guard Bradley Beal has provided the perfect partner for Wall in the back court, center Marcin Gortat and power forward Nene worked well together in the middle and small forward Trevor Ariza had a career season, knocking down open shots on the wing.
The Wizards would love to keep that core together but both Gortat and Ariza are set to become unrestricted free agents on Tuesday when free agency officially begins. The Wizards reportedly will be making Gortat a priority over Ariza, meaning Ariza could be moving on.
According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, “a number of teams” are poised to make a run at Ariza.
A number of teams are planning to make a run at Trevor Ariza this summer. His stock is very high after playing so well in WAS last season.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 28, 2014
The Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors are reportedly interested in Ariza.
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.