The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to add a 3-and-D wing to provide some spacing and a much-needed defensive presence as they continue their push to compete this season.
Trevor Ariza is expected to be dealt by the Suns shortly after he becomes eligible to be traded on December 15, and apparently the two teams are working through a few possible scenarios or a trade, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The two teams are looking to find a third team that would be interested in taking on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but don’t have a team on board yet.
According to Woj, the Suns are, unsurprisingly, hoping to get a point guard and a draft asset in a deal for Ariza, which is why a third team will need to be involved.
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.
Ariza seems like a good fit for the Lakers, who have a need on the wing as Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley have not provided what they hoped to get this season. The question is which third team makes sense for taking on Caldwell-Pope and his expiring deal that would have the assets Phoenix is looking for.
It’s possible Phoenix will be best served looking elsewhere for a direct Ariza deal, with a potential suitor like the Sixers who they’ve reportedly had some discussions with, but the Lakers are certainly a possibility.
