PHOENIX SUNS

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

Dec 11, 2018, 8:40 PM | Updated: 9:35 pm

Phoenix Suns forward Trevor Ariza (3) dries past Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic during the firs...

Phoenix Suns forward Trevor Ariza (3) dries past Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

(AP Photo/Matt York)

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.

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.

Phoenix Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

7 hours ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

11 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

14 hours ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: How the Suns lost to the Spurs before they stepped on the court

Burns & Gambo react to the Phoenix Suns stunning loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and try to figure out why it happened.

2 days ago

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