NBA Trade Rumors 2014 Update: Washington Wizards Might Trade Trevor Ariza For Bench Help

The Washington Wizards are reportedly shopping veteran small forward Trevor Ariza for some bench production, a reliable league source disclosed this week.

With the Wizards steadily finding a winning formula, general manager Ernie Grunfeld is looking for key personnel that would further boost his team's chances of making the postseason for the first time since the 2007-08 season.

According to sources, the Wizards are trying to address their bench, which has not given them much-needed production despite the acquisition of 2013 third overall pick Otto Porter and veteran Al Harrington.

There are reports circulating the Wizards might be willing to shop Ariza, who's playing pretty well in his third season with the team. Ariza is currently averaging 16.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting 46 percent from the field and 42 percent from the three-point line.

Discussing the Ariza Trade

Sports Illustrated Fansided reporter Ben Mehic provided a solid breakdown of the potential trade involving Ariza, detailing its impact on the team offensively and defensively.

"Even though Ariza has been a major contributor to Washington's success this season, I think it could be replaced once Bradley Beal and Martell Webster return from injury," the report stated.

"The Wizards had one of the most productive starting lineups in the league last season with Wall-Beal-Webster-Nene-Okafor on the floor, and I think it could be replicated this season when swapping Okafor for Gortat," Mehicadded.

Mehic also believed Ariza's departure will bode well for Porter in allowing him to finally get significant playing time on the floor as he tries to become an integral part of the team's current and future campaigns.

Looking For Trade Partners

As teams start to make moves on the trading floor, the Wizards won't have a hard time finding an ideal trade partner, especially for the heavy-producing Ariza.

One nice deal that could happen is the Wizards trading Ariza, Trevor Booker and Chris Singleton for Milwaukee Bucks veteran Luke Ridnour and Caron Butler.

Butler already had experience playing in the nation's capital and proved he can still contribute by averaging 13.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. However, Ridnour could be the steal of the trade because of his ability to run the offense with John Wall resting on the bench.

Of course, the Wizards-Bucks trade is only one of many possible trades that could happen in the next two months. With Ariza playing at a high level, the Wizards can sell him at a higher price.