A Royal Pain
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Sacramento Kings Add Depth With Journeyman Trevor Ariza

By John Kelly

WASHINGTON, DC -  MARCH 13: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Orlando Magic on March 13, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  MARCH 13: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Orlando Magic on March 13, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings add veteran depth at small forward with the signing of Trevor Ariza.

With the Sacramento Kings signing Trevor Ariza, it will shore up the small forward position as well as bring leadership to a young squad. As of now, the Kings own the longest absence of postseason play. Vlade Divac and Luke Walton are betting on Ariza to help bring solid play off the bench while crossing wing depth on their list of personnel needs.

The Time And Price Is Right

Trevor Ariza signed a contract worth $25 million over a duration of two years. Ariza has played for six teams over his 15-year career. Four teams liked Ariza enough that Trevor played for them twice. Throughout his career, he is averaging 12.5 points and 5.4 rebounds to go with 3.7 assists.  More than that, he will be a leader in the locker room and off the bench. At $12.5 million a year for a veteran that plays the right way and sets the right example on how to be a professional, that is a fair price for all the responsibility he will have for the team. He is the perfect fit for now.

Ariza Will Improve The Bench

When Vlade addressed the main areas the Kings were dead set on improving, depth at the wing position was one of those needs. Sacramento’s overall depth has been lacking for a couple of years which is why Ariza is a good move by Divac if they want to win next season.

With a two-year contract, it is the right amount of time for the younger players to watch and learn.  By the time Ariza leaves, we will see who is ready to take his spot.

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Final Thoughts

While I never thought Trevor Ariza was on the Kings’ list of free agents that they would target, I have always liked his game as he is a guy who can play and cover multiple positions. The people who have been around Trevor for any of the teams he’s been on have praised his work ethic, detail to the game, and team-first mindset.

Ariza is a complementary piece that works well for the overall scheme of the Kings. Not a game changer, but a solid addition showing Vlade is making the team better.

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