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Summary

Since leaving Houston in the summer of 2018, Ariza has played for four teams and three of those teams ended up disappointed with his contributions. However, it helps that the team he has played best for during this span is now his current team. As such, Ariza may not even become a free agent this summer, as Portland would need to waive him in order for him to become a free agent.

 

Ariza is no longer the defender he was in his prime, but his length allows him to defend bigger wings, while still having enough quickness to defend a range of perimeter players. On offense, Ariza can't create in isolation or in pick-and-roll, but does hit spotups at a solid rate. Ariza will 35 next season, so it's unlikely any team would be willing to give him a long-term contract.

Cap Considerations

Ariza's $12.8 million salary for 2020-2021 is non-guaranteed, so he may be waived by the Blazers in order increase their cap space. If they waive Ariza, they will have no form of his Bird rights, and would have to use cap space or the Mid-Level Exception to re-sign him.

 

If Ariza demands a starting salary of more than the full $9.3 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, only teams with cap space will be able to sign him. If not, over-the-cap teams will able to sign him with the full MLE, or possibly the Taxpayer MLE or Room MLE if Ariza's market value is determined to be lower.

Potential Teams: Trailblazers, Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, Thunder

Predicted Contract: Not waived: $12.8 million with the Trailblazers

If waived: 1-year, $7.5 million with the Lakers

Actual Contract: Not waived: $12.8 million with the Trailblazers

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Trevor's Ariza's contract was guaranteed, but he was traded four times before finally ending up in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will likely trade to get something for him in a trade, and could buy him out if they can't trade him.

Last updated: 12/31/2020

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