Trevor Ariza to Houston Rockets: Latest Contract Details, Analysis and Reaction: Trevor Ariza, one of the keys to a memorable playoff run by the Washington Wizards last season, has signed a four-year deal with the Houston Rockets. Sam Amick of USA Today reported the details of the deal: The 68 forward finished last season averaging 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game—each well above his career averages. Known as a journeyman after having played for six different teams during his 10-year career, Ariza flourished with the Wizards. Those numbers and his standout play in the postseason contributed to the large contract he was expected to receive, as David Aldridge of TNT and Andrew Brandt of Sports Illustrated previously pointed out: His time in Washington saw him go from starting just 15 games in 2012-13 to 77 last season, with his numbers also seeing a huge jump. What made Ariza a huge asset was his three-point shooting, which improved from 36.4 in his first year with the Wizards to 40.7 in 2013-14. After making a postseason run with the team, the former UCLA player believed Washington should be a destination for free agents, per Michael Lee of The Washington Post: Ariza also spoke about what would ultimately sway his decision this offseason before signing with the Rockets, via Lee: My family is definitely the most important thing for me, before anything. Basketball, everything. So that plays a big factor into a lot things. But when you build something with people that’s hard to let go and what we built in this locker room this season is a beautiful thing to me. I really enjoyed playing with those guys and I love those dudes like they’re my brothers. It’s always been more than money. People get confused because we all make a lot of money and it seems crazy to the general public, but this is something that we all love to do. We play this game because we love it and if we didn’t get paid for it, most of us probably would still be playing. You just got to be comfortable where you are. What Ariza offers the Rockets is a player who is productive offensively and can contribute right away. With the team looking to contend this upcoming season, adding a dynamic player like Ariza who can find his shot nearly anywhere on the court is a noteworthy move. Houston looks like a stronger team during the offseason already. Arizas signing does not carry the same kind of wow factor Chris Bosh would have, but after trading Jeremy Lin and missing out on the other big-name free agents, its the sort of move the Rockets needed to make. Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter: Read more NBA news on BleacherReport #NBA #BreakingNews #fantasybasketball
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 22:20:00 +0000
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