NBA Free Agency 2018: One signing every team should make

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – MAY 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets in the first quarter of Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 28, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets — Trevor Ariza

Chris Paul and Clint Capela are the Rockets’ most high-profile free agents, and rightfully so. If Houston were to lose one or both of them, it would be crushing for the team that came the closest to beating the Warriors last season. But Trevor Ariza, another unrestricted free agent this summer, is almost as important for the Rockets.

He’s into his 30s now, so Ariza is not a viable long term option for Houston. But that’s okay — they are in a win-now mode and Ariza is still very good at what he goes. In matchups against the Warriors, he’s the guy hounding Kevin Durant, using his length to bother Durant and make life as hard as possible. Without him, that series is not as close as it was. Running it back means bringing him back.

The tricky part for Ariza and the Rockets is cost. Will another team overpay in hopes of luring him, banking on the fact that this is likely his last big contract? If the Lakers form a supertream, would he want to return home? And how does Daryl Morey approach Ariza’s free agency. Morey is not one to let an asset depreciate and might feel he can find a cheaper replacement if Ariza finds bigger money elsewhere. Or does ownership step in and caution against spending on Ariza if/when big deals are given out to Paul and/or Capela? It’s unknown how much Tilman Ferritta is willing to spend.

Ariza was key to the Rockets’ success last year, so will he continue to be moving forward?

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