The Golden State Warriors are the hunted one. They are hours away from winning their third NBA title in four years. One of the biggest storylines that aren’t talked about enough is the role player who jumps ship to the Warriors this offseason in an attempt to win a ring. Last season that guy was Nick Young. This season it might be an even more noteworthy player, Trevor Ariza.

ESPN’s Chris Haynes made a guest appearance on Tim Kawakami’s podcast where the two made a compelling point about Trevor Ariza:

Via the TK Show:

“I’m going to throw one name out there. He’d have to take a tremendous pay cut, but I think at the end of the day he wants to win.

…

If you’re trying to bring in somebody, a wing player, who’s durable … a proven vet … Trevor Ariza. I think would fit tremendously. I’m not sure he’s going to sign back in Houston.

Ariza would have to take a pay cut to join the Warriors but he would probably have to take one regardless to stay with the Rockets. If LeBron comes to town, Ariza might have to take the veteran minimum to stay in Houston. Golden State may even up the ante and offer Ariza the mid-level exception worth about $4 million. Ariza made $7.8 million this past year and likely won’t make that much this summer if he wants to stay with a winner.

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Ariza, 32, has always been known as a plus defender who can knock down the 3-point shot. This past year with the Rockets, Ariza averaged 11.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in 67 contests. The former 2nd round pick back in 2004 from UCLA has done well for himself playing for the Knicks, Magic, Lakers, Rockets, Hornets, and Wizards during his 13-year playing career.

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