NBA Trade Rumors: Ariza To Wizards Deal Could Happen With Some Tweaks

Trevor Ariza would have been returning to an old team had it not for some misunderstandings in the multiplayer deal involving the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies and the Washington Wizards. And while critics believe that this deal is as good as dead, it seems that the Suns and the Grizzlies are still trying to make a last-ditch effort to make it happen.

The confusion came when the Suns thought they were getting Dillon Brooks from the Grizzlies as part of the deal. It turns out that it was a different player, MarShon Brooks, and not the former. And from there, the deal seemingly fell apart.

However, it seems that all is not yet lost. According to the Athletic, Grizzlies owner Robert Pera and Suns owner Robert Sarver are discussing the case involving Dillon Brooks. The multiplayer deal could still materialize although it may involve different players this time around. Aside from Brooks, Ariza is perhaps the only other name expected to be part of it all.

For those who may have missed it, the three-team deal would have seen the Wizards sending Kelly Oubre to the Memphis Grizzlies while Austin Rivers, MarShon Brooks and Wayne Selden would land in Phoenix. Aside from getting Ariza, the Wizards would also receive a 2020 second rounder pick from the Grizzlies and a protected 2019 pick.

Now that the Brooks mix-up has been cleared, a change in the players involved as well as other assets to be included may be underway. It remains to be seen how long this will last although it does give other teams a chance to make a pitch for the 33-year-old NBA vet.

One team that could enter the fray are the Los Angeles Lakers. As mentioned in a previous post, the Lakers were seen as an ideal land spot. Like Washington, it would have been a homecoming for Ariza since he suited up for the Lakers from 2007 to 2009.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is seen as the one likely to be dealt in exchange for Ariza. There is no word if both the Lakers and the Wizards are talking although this could put more pressure on Phoenix and Memphis to come up with a workable alternative.

The next 24 hours, at the least, should be interesting for all the teams mentioned above. The Suns, Grizzlies, and Wizards are almost there, so minor twitches could finally seal the deal.