Wizards, Suns make Ariza deal official

The Washington Wizards officially announced the acquisition of forward Trevor Ariza from the Phoenix Suns on Monday.

The Suns acquired guard Austin Rivers and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. in exchange for Ariza.

This will mark the veteran forward's second stint with the Wizards; he previously played for the team from 2012 to 2014 before being dealt to the Houston Rockets. The 33-year-old signed a one-year, $15-million contract with the Suns this past summer.

"Trevor has been one of the most effective, efficient, and versatile players at his position for over a decade," Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said in the team's announcement. "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."

Ariza will give the struggling Wizards a familiar voice while playing significant minutes at either forward spot as the team aims to recover from its poor start and reach the postseason for the fifth time in six seasons.

Rivers gives Phoenix a temporary solution at point guard and can also defend any backcourt position. He will likely slide into the starting lineup beside star guard Devin Booker to give the Suns an additional playmaker.

Oubre is a capable scorer at small forward and could play an important role in the Suns' future. He will be a restricted free agent after the season.