NBA Trade News: Austin Rivers Jumps Ship After Ariza Trade

The celebrated Trevor Ariza trade was finally consummated, but one asset in the deal has already opted out of his new team: Austin Rivers. Seen as potentially someone who could help shore up the Phoenix Suns backcourt, the 26-year-old got his release on the same day the trade was sealed.

It seems that both Rivers and the Suns agreed that the former would be better off joining an older team that has a good chance of making the NBA playoffs. Rivers will be free to choose the team of his choice once he clears waivers, according to Bleacher Report.

In the eyes of critics, letting Rivers go comes as a bit of a surprise. The Suns have been struggling with their guard rotation, and the 26-year-old could have been a perfect fit, especially when it comes to feeding their big men such as Deandre Ayton.

But if one looks at the Suns' plans moving forward, Rivers may not fit the franchise's timeline. Had he stayed, the son of Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers would have walked anyway since he was on an expiring deal. And like most, the 6-foot-4 guard out of Santa Monica, California will try to test the free agent market this summer and latch on to a team with better chances at the NBA playoffs.

With Rivers out, the Suns are likely to continue to lean on rookie guard De'Anthony Melton. Although his numbers (7.1 points and 3.0 assists) are far from impressive, the former 10th overall pick of the 2012 Draft's exit gives him more leeway to work on his game and complement Devin Booker.

The Suns thus ended up with Kelly Oubre Jr. in the fold, someone believed to carry more value than any of the other players on the Phoenix roster. As pointed out by Arizona Sports, the objective was to get a playmaking guard and a draft asset in exchange for Ariza.

Rivers' exit does defeat that purpose, but the Suns may have just been spared from a hefty $12.7 million paycheck. With the release, they now find themselves with millions left on the books with the buyout, Fred Katz said.

With Oubre, the Suns get a young wingman who can broaden the options of head coach Igor Kokoskov. The 23-year-old is averaging 13 points per outing, adding firepower, and is another youngster who can fit in with the Phoenix Suns' future plans.