The Los Angeles Lakers had been in negotiations to trade for Phoenix Suns’ forward Trevor Ariza over the past week but those negotiations seem to have fallen apart. On Friday, it was reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the Washington Wizards would be trading for Ariza after he became eligible to be moved on Saturday in a three-team deal.
That trade is now reportedly “in jeopardy” because of confusion about which player named Brooks would be going to Phoenix from the Memphis Grizzlies (seriously) but even if it falls through, it doesn’t seem likely that Ariza would make it to LA in a potential trade.
According to NBA.com’s David Aldridge, Suns’ owner Robert Sarver “was adamant” that the Suns would not trade the 3-and-D wing to their division rival:
Per source, Suns owner Robert Sarver was adamant that he would not send Trevor Ariza to the Lakers, so Phoenix pivoted to other options. Wizards desperate for toughness/defensive grit, and would have had difficulty re-signing Oubre next summer.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) December 15, 2018
This is hilarious for multiple reasons, namely that Sarver is probably furious that they bought out Tyson Chandler only for him to turn the Lakers’ season around. And as we all know, teams who are as close to contending for the playoffs, nay the championship, do not want to help their rivals improve.
Maybe Sarver should focus less on who the Suns trade Ariza to and more on finding a way to finance his stadium and trash practice facilities without scamming the city of Phoenix.
