Boston Celtics: 5 veterans the Cs should pursue this offseason
By Chris Conte
Boston Celtics target No. 2) Trevor Ariza
Another old guy I have covered on this site before, Trevor Ariza fits the glove for the Boston Celtics in just about every way possible.
He’s made his money in the NBA as a 3-and-D specialist that has had no problem playing within his role.
On defense, Udoka can play him on some of the Eastern Conference’s premier forwards, such as Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, even at this stage in his career, he has no problem taking up possessions against elite creators such as Kyrie Irving or James Harden.
He has excellent versatility and length, which allow him to switch onto different matchups with ease.
If Udoka sees it fit, Ariza has no problem playing off the ball on the defensive end.
His 6-8, 215-pound frame makes him an ideal help-side rim protector or nail defender. His quick and active hands can pick off passes or strip ball handlers to get the Jays running in transition.
He can shoot from deep, as he’s a career 35.2 percent 3-point shooter who shot 37 percent from deep just last season with the Miami Heat.
Ariza will make the extra pass, cut, move off the ball and even act as a screen setter from time to time.
This summer, he enters free agency after finishing up his two-year, $25 million contract he signed with Sacramento in 2019. At his age, it’s unlikely he receives more than $7 million per season, which is right inside the C’s price range.