via ESPN insider... Weird that he was told to stay home from the road trip. Hmmm... could we be thinking SF in the draft or does Monty like the Chief that much????
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Head coach Monty Williams informed Trevor Ariza a few weeks ago that his time on the floor would be limited as the starting small forward spot and minutes were going to Al-Farouq Aminu.
Ariza is healthy, but hasn't played since Apr. 7 and signs are pointing to split in the offseason. Ariza was told that he didn't have to join the team on their season-ending three-game road trip.
"My thing is playing basketball, man," Ariza told The Times-Picayune. "Whatever team I'm on or whoever I play with that's who I play with. I don't make those decisions. I just play."
The Los Angeles Lakers might make a run at Ariza if they use the amnesty provision on Metta World Peace. Ariza played well for the Lakers in 2007-08 and 2009-09, but was not retained when he became a free agent.
The Lakers have a $8.9 million trade exception from Lamar Odom and that could be used to acquire Ariza in a deal. Ariza has two years and $14.98 million remaining on his contract.