Trevor Ariza rumors: Ariza looking for four years, $48 million

Like the rest of us, Washington Wizards’ free agent swingman Trevor Ariza is waiting for Miami Heat forward LeBron James and New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony to make a decision. Once that happens, Ariza will likely quickly make his decision.

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According to Michael Lee of The Washington Post, Ariza is looking for a contract similar to the one the Golden state Warriors gave to swingman Andre Iguodala last year – $48 million over four years.

"According to an NBA front office executive, Ariza is seeking a salary comparable to the four-year, $48 million deal that Andre Iguodala received last season. CBS Sports is reporting that he wants a deal starting between $9 million and $11 million.That asking price is currently too high for Washington, which has less than $19 million to sign Ariza and six other players and avoid the luxury tax, something owner Ted Leonsis and the late Abe Pollin have never paid."

That’s a hefty price to pay for Ariza. Although he is coming off of the best season of his career, he hasn’t always been the most consistent three-point shooter. Playing with point guard John Wall clearly was a big reason for his success and continuing to play with Wall would likely be in best interest. Of course, if a team really does offer Ariza $12 million per season that is going to be awfully hard to turn down. The Wizards likely won’t be willing to go to that price range, largely because they want to bring back a few of their other free agents.

Ariza went for 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He shot 45.6% from the field, 40.7% from beyond the arc and 77.2% from the free throw line.

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