Raptors: Could Trevor Ariza end up in Toronto if he gets bought out?

The Toronto Raptors, still hanging around in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, will likely be in the hunt for some veteran additions when it comes time to beef up the depth and make a postseason run. Even though this roster needs a true superstar, one or two little tweaks here and there might be enough to help them separate from what looks like a crowded Eastern Conference playoff picture. While he hasn’t played a minute of basketball this season, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Trevor Ariza could help fill a need for the Raptors.

Ariza is a prime buyout candidate, as he has not played a single game for Oklahoma City due to what is being called “personal reasons”. While both the Raptors and Thunder are currently out of the postseason picture, Toronto can offer him a chance to both get some playing time and revitalize a team that could make it to the postseason.

Trevor Ariza will bring his trademark versatility, shooting from deep, and veteran moxie to the Toronto Raptors

Should he return to the court, Oklahoma City would be the tenth different team in the 35-year-old Ariza’s career. Ariza, who recently became the most-traded player in NBA history, is getting passed around the league for a reason, as any number of contending teams could use his skillset.

On the offensive end, Ariza, who has averaged 10.5 points per game for his career, has a sweeter shooting stroke and better ball-handling skills than most 6-8 forwards. His 35 percent career three-point percentage shows that he is capable of knocking down some clutch baskets without demanding the ball in his hands frequently.

On defense, Ariza really shines. At 6-8 with long arms, Ariza can defense the power forward spot and even take on some centers when his team goes to a smaller lineup. At just 215 pounds and still a solid athlete, Ariza can deal with bigger guards. Given his experience on some very talented Rockets teams, Ariza can be an asset to any team looking for a playoff push by helping out Kyle Lowry on offense and OG Anunoby on defense.

The Raptors’ playoff hopes are fading fast, and they need to do something to avoid getting buried under an avalanche of competitors. Ariza wouldn’t be a seismic move, but he is the under-the-radar move, much like an Iman Shumpert, that helps take a team from fringe playoff squad to potential contenders.