PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 25: Trevor Ariza #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during their game at Moda Center on February 25, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Trevor Ariza has had a well-traveled career, and he has now been traded more times than anyone in NBA history.
Wednesday’s reported trade between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat involved two recognizable names, Trevor Ariza and Meyers Leonard, and a second-round pick will go to the Thunder along with Leonard.
Ariza’s name is never too far away from buyout/trade rumors. He has not suited up at all for the Thunder this season, so it was only a matter of time before he was gone. Within a week’s time last November, he was traded three times (Trail Blazers to Rockets, Rockets to Pistons, Pistons to Thunder). Going back to January 2020, he has now been traded five times. Well-traveled is an understatement.
Trevor Ariza has been traded more than anyone in NBA history
Ariza has set a record by being traded 11 times in his career. Assuming he suits up for the Heat, they will be the 10th team he has played for. His longest consecutive run in one place has been four straight full seasons with the Houston Rockets (2014-15 to 2017-18), and at this stage of his career that will surely stand. Miami will be Ariza’s fifth uniform in the just the last three seasons.
Ariza was a 37 percent shooter from 3-point range last season, over 53 combined games with the Kings and Trail Blazers. He also remained a positive contributor on the defensive end (1.2 Defensive Win Shares, 1.3 steals per game). So he can be helpful to a contender. Once he shakes the rust off, after not playing a game in a year, the Heat should have some minutes for him in their rotation as a low-end “3-and-D” wing.
By the time you’re reading this, the way things have been for him lately, it’s possible Ariza has been traded again.