ARIZA ARRIVES IN D.C.
The Washington Wizards acquired forward/guard Trevor Ariza from the Phoenix Suns for forward/guard Kelly Oubre Jr. and guard/forward Austin Rivers.
What does it give the Washington Wizards
The Wizards are sputtering in the Eastern Conference so far this season, so the hope here is that the 33-year-old Ariza can provide some leadership and be a glue guy for the entire roster (a roster with plenty of reported unrest and in-fighting). This may not be Washington's last trade this season.
What does it give the Phoenix Suns
Ariza's stay in Phoenix wound up being extremely brief, but that is largely because the Suns are currently mired in last place in the NBA's overall standings. In Oubre Jr. and Rivers, Phoenix lands two younger players who can score. Neither player owns Ariza's intangibles but the Suns need talent right now.
Fantasy impact
This trade should benefit all three players involved. Ariza will see more playing time in Washington, especially with both Oubre Jr. and Rivers headed the other way in this deal. Ariza may become the third scoring option in D.C. Oubre Jr. will likely challenge Josh Jackson for the starting small forward position vacated by Ariza, while Rivers (who is not a natural point guard but can play either guard position) could see a lot of time on the point (especially with Devin Booker sidelined by injury).
