Chicago Bulls: 5 veteran wings not to overlook in free agency
By Ryan Heckman
Small Forward Trevor Ariza
2018 Free Agency Status: Unrestricted
2017-2018 Highlights: 11.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 36.8 PCT from beyond the arc
Trevor Ariza has been around for what seems like forever, but at age 32, he has proven he still has plenty of basketball left in him. The Houston Rockets have been a perfect place for him, especially after they moved James Harden to more of a point guard role two years ago, and added Chris Paul.
Ariza, at this age, can offer you what most guys on this list can offer you: Defense and three-point shooting. With that, he brings a plethora of experience. He’s been there and done that, especially in the playoffs. He knows what it’s like to play on bigger stages. He would be a great mentor to someone like LaVine, and even Dunn as well.
What the Bulls need most this offseason, other than adding to the youthful talent already in place with more youth, is a couple of veterans who can help all of them in their development. Just like J.J. Redick has done with the Philadelphia 76ers, Ariza could offer something similar. At this point, it will be interesting to see the kind of money Ariza’s camp demands, especially after playing a key role in such a huge season for Houston.