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Ariza trade deal ‘dead’ due to mistaken identity, LeBron and Lakers left confused

Utkarsh Bhatla
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Reports of Trevor Ariza securing a deal away from the Phoenix Suns came in thick and fast early on in the week, with the Lakers being at the forefront with respect to securing Ariza.

For Ariza, it was a homecoming too, as he had already plied his trade at the Staples Centre. He had won the championship there during the 2009 season.

Now, Ariza’s style of play and what the Lakers needed was going to go hand in hand, as LeBron was looking for a trustworthy shooter to suit his game.

Initial reports had suggested that Melo would be the guy to solve those issues, but that deal fell off and Ariza was recognised as the number 1 ‘shooting target’.

However, according to a report by ESPN’s Woj, Ariza was supposed to end up at the Wizards in a three team deal.

Kelly Oubre, Austin Rivers and two other Grizzlies players were supposed to be involved in the entire deal.

“As part of a three-team deal nearing completion: Ariza to the Wizards, Kelly Oubre to the Memphis Grizzlies and Austin Rivers and two Grizzlies role players to Suns, league sources tell ESPN.” tweeted Woj.

Ariza’s stint in Phoenix hasn’t been a brilliant one, as he has failed to make an impact and thus a trade was always on the cards.

However, the entire fell off just an hour after it was reported, apparently because of a mistaken identity.

“Robert Pera did not have any conversation with Suns owner Robert Sarver about the reported 3-way trade. Our front office also didn’t have any conversations with Phoenix regarding the reported 3-team trade prior to it leaking during our game tonight. We were floored to learn of the reports involving Dillon Brooks in the reported trade.

“We never discussed Dillon as part of this trade with Washington – which was the only team we spoke with concerning this proposed deal.” Memphis GM Chris Wallace said.

With the deal on hold now, with apparently Lakers also trying to find a way in, Ariza is going to be ‘hot property’ in the days to come.

Reports state that Lakers, Ariza and his agent are interested in his move to Los Angeles, but the developments today have left the Lakers confused as to what will happen now.

Lakers and LeBron need an experienced bloke in their line up, one that can pass on some of that experience to the young team and also team up with LeBron to help him drive a little more to the ring and then pass the ball to the perimeter, with the shooter waiting to take advantage with a three.

Lakers have been missing out on a gun 3 point shooter and with the NBA shaping up in such a way that 3 point shooters are a necessity, the Lakers will need to act quickly on this.

How do you think the Lakers will respond to this?

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