NBA Rumors: Phoenix Suns Want Point Guard Or Draft Picks In Multi-Team Trevor Ariza Trade With Lakers

Corey Hansford
3 Min Read
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

With the Phoenix Suns playing like arguably the worst team in the league, and the Los Angeles Lakers hoping to improve themselves without sacrificing long-term plans, it makes sense that the two sides would be in discussions on a potential deal for veteran wing Trevor Ariza.

Ariza would give the Lakers another excellent defender and shooter, as well as a veteran who has performed on the league’s biggest stages. The main piece the Lakers would reportedly be giving up in a deal would be guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

He is on an expiring contract worth $12 million, however, the Suns have other needs they’re looking to fill. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, Phoenix wants a point guard or draft picks in what would be a multi-team trade:

Similarly, they don’t need Caldwell-Pope, so they’re canvassing the league instead for a point guard and/or draft considerations in a multiteam deal with the Lakers.

Phoenix reportedly wanted a member of the Lakers young core, which naturally did not lead to much discussions over the possibility that Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram or Kyle Kuzma would be moved in a trade for Ariza.

The Suns don’t need Caldwell-Pope for the same reason they are looking to deal away Ariza. He would take away minutes from their young wings such as Devin Booker, T.J. Warren, Josh Jackson and Mikal Bridges. Their want for a point guard also makes sense as their current options are rookies De’Anthony Melton, Elie Okobo and two-way player Jawun Evans.

Considering Caldwell-Pope has veto power on any trade thanks to a little-known rule, it would seem likely that his agent is working with the Lakers and Suns to find an ideal landing spot. Only on another one-year deal, Caldwell-Pope would likely prefer to join a team where he can play consistent minutes in order to sign a long-term deal next summer.

If everything works out, this could turn out to be a deal that is a positive for all parties involved. Caldwell-Pope and Ariza would both find themselves in better situations, the Lakers would add another veteran player to improve their team, and the Suns could acquire a point guard they sorely need or draft considerations.

Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.