The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly looking to make a deal for Phoenix Suns' veteran forward Trevor Ariza once he's eligible to be traded later this week.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers and Suns have been working to reach an agreement with a third team that would take on Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as part of a potentially larger deal. NBA players that signed as free agents this past off-season, such as Ariza, are eligible to be traded starting December 15, so any potential move would have to wait until at least this upcoming weekend.
Wojnarowski notes that Phoenix wants to add a playmaking guard and a draft pick as part of any Ariza deal. The 33-year old forward signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Suns this summer but with the Suns sitting at 4-22 on the season, the organization is apparently looking to send him to a playoff team.
In addition to the Lakers, the Rockets have also expressed interest in bringing back Ariza, who played in Houston for four straight seasons, including last year.
In 24 games this season, Ariza is averaging 9.7 points per game to go along with 5.5 rebounds. Caldwell-Pope, who signed a one-year, $12 million deal to return to the Lakers this season, is averaging 8.5 points in 21 minutes per game.
Wojnarowski writes: "Caldwell-Pope has veto power on a trade, but the Lakers have shown an ability to work with his agent, Rich Paul, if there's a deal that might increase his role and possibly get him signed to a deal this summer with a new team."