Kings trade Ariza to Blazers in 5-player deal
The Sacramento Kings traded Trevor Ariza, Caleb Swanigan, and Wenyen Gabriel to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Kent Bazemore, Anthony Tolliver, and second-round picks in 2024 and 2025, the team confirmed Tuesday.
The Blazers save $12.3 million in the deal and cut their luxury-tax bill in half, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Meanwhile, Sacramento opens up a roster spot and gains some future assets.
Bazemore and Tolliver are impending free agents. Ariza is in the first season of a two-year, $25-million contract, which includes a partial guarantee for the 2020-21 campaign, according to Spotrac.
The 30-year-old Bazemore doesn't intend to pursue a buyout with Sacramento, sources told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. The veteran wing has a solid relationship with Kings head coach Luke Walton dating back to their time on the Golden State Warriors.
Bazemore was acquired by the Trail Blazers from the Atlanta Hawks in an offseason deal. He averaged 7.9 points and four boards across 43 appearances - including 21 starts - for Portland this season.
Ariza is averaging six points on 38.8% shooting across 32 appearances in 2019-20. His solid perimeter defense should help a Trail Blazers squad that ranks 24th in defensive rating.
Swanigan and Gabriel have seen limited action in the Association this season, as both have spent time with the Kings' G League affiliate in 2019-20.
Tolliver has started nine games this season due to numerous injuries in the Blazers' frontcourt. The veteran forward is a career 37.4% shooter from distance.