Washington Wizards rumors: Marcin Gortat thinks Trevor Ariza returns

By Bryan Rose | Jul 6, 2014

Apr 29, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Wizards forward Trevor Ariza (1), center Marcin Gortat (4), and Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer (5) battle for a rebound during the first quarter in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Washington Wizards have hinted on more than one occasion that they would prefer to retain free agent forward, Trevor Ariza. Of course, given the thin small forward market, Ariza has become one of the most in-demand free agents available and is drawing significant interest from a multitude of teams.

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That of course has thrown a wrench into the plans of the Wizards, though if there is a silver lining they can offer the veteran the most money and years if they so incline. Whether or not they actually want to do such is a completely different story, though teammate Marcin Gortat (a fellow free agent who opted to re-sign with the Washington Wizards) has been lobbying for Trevor Ariza’s return as he told Michael Lee of the Washington Post.

“Trevor Ariza is a big part of our success, and we’d like to have him back,” Gortat said. “I understand at the end of the day, it’s a business and he has to make the right decision for him and for his family. But we love him, we want him back and I believe that Ernie [Grunfeld] and Tommy Sheppard is going to do the right thing.”

Investing significant money into both Gortat and Trevor Ariza certainly seems a little questionable, though if you’re the Wizards you can’t let an asset like Ariza walk for nothing. Given that, you’re either forced to re-sign him or work on a sign-and-trade deal which requires the interest of both player and teams.

Needless to say, it’s a tough decision for those involved.