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Golden State Warriors: Drawing up two realistic trades for Trevor Ariza

By Nathan Beighle

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors talks to Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets after Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors talks to Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets after Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The Golden State Warriors could get in the bidding war for Trevor Ariza, and it could be a very smart play.

One of the league’s best teams, the Golden State Warriors have yet to even be at full strength this season. That said, attempting to acquire Trevor Ariza isn’t as much about needing his desired skill set as it is the monetary reasons.

For starters, Ariza could become a contributor on a bottom-five second unit. Currently averaging ten points per game, Ariza, who has proven be a good three-point shooter, would be an ideal weapon to help spread the court for the Dubs.

The Warriors second unit is one of the worst scoring and shooting benches in the entire NBA. They need help from Trevor Ariza that they currently aren’t receiving elsewhere. Ariza would come in and play Alfonzo McKinnie’s role. McKinnie has been out with foot soreness for almost a month.

However, he’d really be taking the place of Andre Iguodala, who is currently averaging over 20 minutes per game. Iggy is having his worst professional season, averaging under five points per game. More importantly, trading Iggy would help clear cap for Golden State.

That’s why in ever potential trade Iggy has to be included. His $17.2 million owed to him next season will burden the Dubs in free agency while Ariza is on a one-year $15 million contract. Phoenix can then take on Iggy’s contract and snag a few picks or prospects from Golden State as well.

It seems like either of these could be a win-win for that reason alone. Let’s be real: Ariza in Phoenix was never meant to last anyway.

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