Lakers Rumors: Potential trade returns for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
By Jason Reed
Trevor Ariza seemingly found his home for the rest of the season back in December when the veteran forward was traded to the Washington Wizards for Kelly Oubre Jr. and Austin Rivers.
This was obviously a trade by the Wizards that was supposed to help the team contend with the duo of Bradley Beal and John Wall in the Eastern Conference. However, with Wall being injured and not returning for an entire calendar year, there really is no point of keeping Ariza around for the remainder of the season.
The Wizards would benefit more from trading Ariza, even if they do not get as much value as they sent out.
With the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly still being interested in Ariza, as they were back in December as well, they become a smart target for the Wizards to go after.
The Lakers would probably give the Wizards the best return out of any team, which includes an expiring contract in KCP, a rookie in Moritz Wagner and a future second-round pick.
Some may jump at the idea of shipping Wagner away but he is still a late first-round pick that isn’t really contributing this season regardless. Adding Ariza is not only huge for the Lakers this season but could have a long-term effect as well.
Ariza could re-sign with the Lakers after realizing that they are true contenders, which would help the team fill out the depth that it would lose if it does go through with the Anthony Davis trade.
Having an experienced Ariza as a depth piece if the Lakers get Davis is much better than having an inexperienced Wagner.
If the team can get this done for cheaper then absolutely do that. However, I would be willing to give up this much for Ariza.