Trade Proposal: Trevor Ariza to the Toronto Raptors

By Kevin Nimmock | Jun 9, 2015

As the off-season inches closer, it is time to start discussing possible roster moves for GM Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors. When the team was picked apart by the Washington Wizards during the playoffs, it became clear that something was broken. That thing was actually broken all season, but it wasn’t so obvious when the Raptors were scoring consistently. That thing is defence.

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The Raptors finished the season with the league’s 25th best defensive rating. That is simply a recipe for failure in the playoffs. Ujiri will have to find ways to turn things around this summer. One way to bolster the Raptors’ defence is by trading for top-tier defensive talent. Trevor Ariza of the Houston Rockets is a player that Ujiri should consider.

Ariza is the epitome of a modern 3-and-D player. He is a rangy small forward, who can score aggressively and cover shooting guards, small forwards and power forwards. Ariza has made a long career out of playing hard and providing quality minutes, both as a starter and a role player off the bench. Plus, he is coming off an uncharacteristically bad season, so the Raptors could possibly acquire him for less than he could be worth this coming season.

Ariza could potentially be acquired for Terrence Ross and Greivis Vasquez. This deal works financially, according to the NBA Trade Machine. It could actually benefit both teams in the long run, which is really far more of a bargaining chip than Ujiri has needed in the past.

Ariza averaged 12.8 points and 5.6 rebounds this past season, hitting just 35% of his long-bombs and 40% of his field goals. While that looks rough, look at what he did the year before. Ariza averaged 14.4 points and 6.2 rebounds on 41% shooting from 3-point range and 46% shooting from the field. Considering he is an 11-year NBA veteran who has put up consistently solid numbers in the past, it is fair to say this past season was a probable outlier.

For the Raptors, Ariza would provide defensive toughness and veteran leadership. He would be able to start at small forward, with DeMar DeRozan playing shooting guard. Plus, he already fits head coach Dwane Casey’s game plan, since he can space the floor. Overall, Ariza would be a great addition.

Vasquez would work well in Houston’s system as a replacement for Jason Terry. Eventually, the 37-year-old is going to retire, and Vasquez offers similar qualities to what Houston looks for from the Jet. Vasquez can shoot 3-pointers and pass effectively. He would have no problem playing off the ball and deferring to James Harden. He is not a good defender, but neither is Terry anymore.

Ross still has a lot of potential as a 3-and-D player in his own right. He just needs a good fit to finally reach some of his ceiling. Toronto may have simply not been that place. He is still a superb athlete with occasional bursts of brilliance, both offensively and defensively. In Houston, he would be able to play with a lot less pressure on his shoulders, since Harden would be looked to for most of the team’s big shots.

This deal may not be perfect, but it offers a chance for the Raptors to get better defensively and open up a roster spot for this year’s draft pick. Vasquez and Ross would be missed, but Ujiri has already said big changes are going to have to be made.

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