The Washington Wizards are overcoming a wild weekend that started late Friday night when news leaked that the team was working on a three-way deal that included trading Kelly Oubre, Jr. to the Memphis Grizzlies and Austin Rivers to the Phoenix Suns in return for veteran forward Trevor Ariza. This sent the team into a whirlwind of confusion as word began to spread immediately following their 118-125 road loss to the Brooklyn Nets.
Just as the trade rumors picked up steam, the deal unraveled in real-time as Memphis pulled out over a mix-up involving which player was apart of the trade. The Grizzlies thought they were sending guard MarShon Brooks to the Suns as opposed to guard Dillion Brooks. For a brief moment fans were breathing a sigh of relief but on Saturday it was confirmed that the Wizards worked out a deal directly with Phoenix to acquire Ariza in exchange for Oubre and Rivers.
#Wizards officially announce Trevor Ariza trade. The team believes the veteran forward brings leadership and versatility.
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) December 17, 2018
Oubre had averaged 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game through 29 games this season and was set to become a free agent next summer. Rivers was a new addition in the offseason and had averaged 7.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game for the Wizards.
“We commend Kelly on the growth and development he showed within our system to become a solid rotation player as well as the work he did in the D.C. community during his time as a Wizard,” Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said. “We also appreciate Austin’s contributions during his brief time with us and wish them both the best as they continue their careers.”
Ariza (6-8, 215) returns to Washington for a second stint with the Wizards. He averaged 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting .393 from three-point range with the team from 2012-2014, helping the team advance to the second round of the playoffs in 2013-14.
“Trevor has been one of the most effective, efficient and versatile players at his position for over a decade,” Grunfeld said. “We are obviously very familiar with the leadership and experience he brings as one of the league’s most respected professionals and look forward to welcoming him back to the team.”
The way the trade unraveled shook up the entire Wizards team but they still understand the business of basketball.
“It was a situation where we were in a tough bind,” John Wall said. “We have three guys that are paid pretty high. And then understanding what Kelly is going to receive or ask for this summer, I don’t think we have the money to match it. So, I think that’s the reason why we made the trade.”
“We needed a change,” said Bradley Beal. “Hopefully this is the change that sparks some energy out of us, some life out of us, that will get us to play the way we know we’re capable of playing.”
The Wizards definitely had life on Sunday night in a dominating performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 128-110 victory snapped Washington’s four-game losing streak. It was also a collective team effort with four guys locking in 20 or more points: Jeff Green (20), Bradley Beal (25), Sam Dekker (20). Additionally, John Wall had a big night finishing with 40 points, 14 assists, and 6 rebounds. They also held Lebron James to 13 points. When the Wizards play solid defense, which they did on Sunday, it usually works in their favor.
#Wizards snap four-game losing streak with 128-110 win over the #Lakers. Wizards out-rebounded Lakers 51-43. Anytime they out-rebound the other team, they walk away with the victory. Wall led scoring with 40 pts, 14 assists, 6 rebounds. #WizLakers
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) December 17, 2018
“It’s probably one of our best games of the year, against a team that’s hot, that’s really good, that has a really great player, and a lot of really talented players on the team and they are deep,” Coach Scott Brooks said. “This is an aggressive attacking team. One of the best in the league at creating fast-break points. And two guys that kick it ahead better than probably most players in the league.”
“We just came out with a lot of energy,” Wall said. “We did a great job on both ends of the court – knocking down shots and being aggressive defensively. Knowing these guys are coming off a back-to-back, they played pretty well.”
Wall's 40 willed us to a key win against the Lakers on Sunday night.#WizLakers | #DCFamily pic.twitter.com/BAWmnTbOJm
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 17, 2018
The Wizards are hoping to keep that same energy tonight when they take on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.