Rockets free agency rumor: Trevor Ariza seeking $50-60 million deal

Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza wants to cash in. The forward is reportedly seeking a deal worth at least $50 million in free agency.

Trevor Ariza could add even more pressure to the Houston Rockets’ bulging salary cap.

According to Kelly Iko of the Rockets Wire, Trevor Ariza will seek a deal in the $50-60 million range in free agency.

Back in the summer of 2014, Ariza inked a 4-year, $32 million deal with the Wizards as part of a sign-and-trade with Houston. Ariza had a budget friendly contract, as he earned a little over $7 million last season.

Trevor Ariza averaged 11.7 points and 4.4 rebounds and he shot 36.8 percent from 3-point range last season. In four full seasons as a Rocket, Ariza has missed just 18 games. Ariza fills the classic 3-and-D roll perfectly for Houston. He doesn’t have a very high ceiling, but he does have a high floor. With Ariza, what you see is what you get.

Trevor Ariza will turn 33 on June 30, a day before free agency begins. This will likely be Ariza’s last chance to sign a long-term deal, and he wants to cash in.

For the Rockets, their two biggest priorities are re-signing Chris Paul and Clint Capela. After that, they’ll be in the market for the opportunity to sign a star like LeBron James or Paul George. If Houston loses Ariza, it will definitely leave a void at the forward spot. However, if they land LeBron or George, Ariza won’t be missed.

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Ariza’s production will likely only decline from this point, so the Rockets will have to determine if he’s worth $50 million or more. There are a lot of 3-and-D wings in the league that would like the opportunity to compete for a championship for a cheaper price. The Rockets would be better off letting Ariza walk unless he’s willing to take a pay cut.