LA Sports Hub
Fansided

Lakers Rumors: The three-team trade to execute for Trevor Ariza

By Jason Reed

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Trevor Ariza #3 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Trevor Ariza #3 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The latest Lakers rumors involve a potential three-team trade to acquire former Laker Trevor Ariza from the Phoenix Suns.

The latest Los Angeles Lakers rumors signal that the front office is looking to bring back an old friend that won a championship in Los Angeles.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to acquire Trevor Ariza from the Phoenix Suns, who can officially be traded starting on Dec. 15. Not only are the Lakers looking at Ariza, but the team is also looking to acquire Ariza in a three-team trade.

That really is the only way for this trade to happen for the Lakers. Due to contract reasons, the only real piece the Lakers can send is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who is also on an expiring contract like Ariza.

The problem with that is that the Suns don’t really need Caldwell-Pope and would likely warrant a first-round pick if the Lakers cannot send what the team needs.

What the Suns need is a point guard. The Lakers really don’t have much to offer in that department without dramatically overpaying, so adding a third team that has a guard it is willing to trade is imperative.

There are not a ton of options for the Lakers and Suns. However, there are few teams the two sides should target that would accomplish each team’s goal. Here is the ideal three-team trade we would like to see.

The third team that the Lakers and Suns should first contact is the Minnesota Timberwolves. The player in mind for the Suns is Jeff Teague.

Teague has started all 20 games he has played in this season for the Timberwolves but is someone that the team might be willing to move. First of all, Derrick Rose is having a re-emergence this season and can take over the starting point guard role.

Second of all, Teague is owed $38 million over the next two seasons with a player option after this year. Teague probably won’t get that much on the market, so it would not be surprising to see him opt back in. By trading him, the Timberwolves would be freeing up cap space to attack the market.

Minnesota still has Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins to build around. Adding pieces is what the front office should be trying to do. The team can add much better for the same cost as Teague.

While Teague is overpriced, he does give the Suns the point guard they need without restricting the team long-term. The Suns are not a destination for any of the superstars next summer so an added year of Teague doesn’t hurt the team at all.

And of course, the Lakers get Ariza for nothing more than Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a second-round pick. While Ariza is just a one-year commitment, his defense off the bench would be huge and could be the missing piece this year to potentially beat the Golden State Warriors in a seven-game series.

We have seen how big of a defensive impact he had on the Houston Rockets and that same defensive impact would be massive for the Lakers.

Next. Kuzma should be traded before Ball. dark

I don’t think these Lakers rumors are anything to take lightly. If I had to bet, I would say that the Lakers are going to make a move for Trevor Ariza one way or another after Dec. 15.

Home/Lakers Rumors