The Rockets have lost a key member of their defense.
Trevor Ariza, who has been with the Rockets for the past four seasons, has agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal with the Phoenix Suns.
Similar to JJ Redick with the Sixers last summer, Ariza gets a one-year windfall. It was looking like Trevor might be a luxury tax casualty in Houston, given that Chris Paul and Clint Capela were due huge paydays.
Yes, Ariza was 0-for-12 from the field and 0-for-9 from three-point range in Game 7 against the Warriors, but he’s instrumental to the defense. With long arms and great instincts in the passing lanes, Ariza is a smart, heady defender that has helped anchor Houston’s switching system. Replacing him will be difficult.
But that’s what the Rockets will look to do moving forward this offseason. This places more importance on re-signing Luc Mbah a Moute and could steer the direction on some of the Ryan Anderson trade talks.