Phoenix Suns’ Trevor Ariza does not start or play against Spurs

For the first time this season when healthy, Phoenix Suns wing Trevor Ariza did not start, being replaced by wing Josh Jackson in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs.

Ariza did not play in the game and sat on the end of the bench in uniform. He was not on the Suns’ injury report and was active.

Head coach Igor Kokoskov offered up an explanation as to why after the game.

More Kokoskov on holding out Ariza: "I was relying on the younger guys…as the game progresses and (the Spurs) made that separation, I didn't feel that it was the right thing for me to put (Ariza) in the game." #Suns https://t.co/a9uGe2bCdG

— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) December 12, 2018

In the past week, Ariza has been in trade reports. 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro reported at least eight teams have shown interest in Ariza, including the Los Angeles Lakers.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported on Sunday that the Lakers were pushing to get a deal done. The Suns are looking for a play-making guard and a draft asset in return for Ariza, Wojnarowski said.

Ariza, 33, signed a one-year deal worth $15 million with the Suns in the offseason.

As a result, he cannot be traded until Dec. 15, the first day offseason signees are eligible to be traded.

After Tuesday’s game against the Spurs, the Suns play on Thursday at home against the Dallas Mavericks, their last game before the Dec. 15 window opens.

This season, Ariza has averaged 9.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 33.9 minutes per game.

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