Who didn't see this coming? (LA or Golden State) Anything to help LeBron/Lakers out. What they want, they get. Isn't that right @DreamShook? Didn't expect him to comeback anyways.
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...-trying-add-suns-trevor-ariza-three-way-trade The Los Angeles Lakers are engaged in talks trying to acquire Phoenix Suns forward Trevor Ariza, league sources told ESPN. The teams have been working to reach an agreement with a third team that would take on Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as part of a potentially larger deal, league sources said. The Suns want to land a playmaking guard and a draft asset as the price of unloading Ariza, sources said. Phoenix and Los Angeles have made progress in third-team scenarios, although no agreements are close and both teams remain active in multiple trade discussions throughout the league, sources said. No trade can be completed officially until Saturday, when players like Ariza, who were signed in summer free agency, become eligible to be traded. Ariza is one of the most important trade assets for the Suns -- losers of 22 of 26 games -- and their best chance to bolster their backcourt and gain assets. Most contending teams are interested in acquiring Ariza, 33, who was an important contributor to the Houston Rockets in recent seasons. Caldwell-Pope has veto power on a trade, but the Lakers have shown a willingness to work with his agent, Rich Paul, if there's a deal that might increase his role and possibly get him signed to a deal this summer with a new team, league sources said. Caldwell-Pope is on a one-year, $12 million contract. Caldwell-Pope, 25, has seen his minutes drop along with his shooting percentages from last season. He's averaging 8.5 points in 21 minutes, including 38 percent overall shooting and 34 percent on three-pointers. He signed a one-year, $12 million deal to return to Lakers this season. Ariza signed a one-year, $15 million deal with Phoenix this summer. Phoenix is in disarray with a 4-22 start to the season, remaining in pursuit of a guard who'd allow star shooting guard Devin Booker more consistently off the ball. Ariza's expiring contract allows the Lakers to keep salary cap flexibility into summer free agency. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka represented Ariza in his career as an agent before he joined the Lakers' front office. Ariza is averaging 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists this season.
We've seen that Ariza is worth about 20-30 wins. If the Lakers get him, gotta think they're the favorites in the West.
KCP's contract is interesting for a 3rd team cause it's a good opportunity to shed future salary as he's an expiring. The writing was a bit ambiguous in that article, since he has trade veto power, does he want to go somewhere where he knows he will leave but get a chance to play big minutes and earn $$$ next summer, or does he want to go somewhere that will resign him? Let's see what teams are trying to open up cap space next year.
In all seriousness, where are all the posters who were insisting Ariza being bought out and coming back here was a real thing? Maybe this season will help us all in cleaning up our acts, and ending this BS insider sources.
Pope "i don't want to end up in Phoenix" Rich Paul "just shut up and do your job" lol It's interesting though, i wonder if this means other teams might want to trade for Ariza or if the Lakers are not confident they would get him if he gets bought out. Spoiler If Pope does end up in Phoenix though, it's possible it happens cause he asks to get bought out before giving his ok to a trade, and he would be a good piece to get.
They'll get him, lose nothing of value, and somehow OKC will get another all-star for a bag of potato chips in the same deal.
James Jones single handedly building the lakers dynasty... it’s over folks. LA is king again for the next 5-6 years
LOL @ people who said that he was overpaid. His 1 year 15m contract is being looked upon by the league as a valuable asset. SMFH - We should have given him 18m a year (same as Capela) to stay with us. If it didn't work out we could have traded him to a contender and received a valuable first rounder.
