NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Young Core Off-Limits In Ariza Deal, Rockets Involved

The Los Angeles Lakers will not include any of their young core in trade talks for Phoenix Suns forward Trevor Ariza.

That is according to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times who on Wednesday stated the likes of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart were all off-limits in a potential trade for Ariza.

The Lakers were recently engaged in trade talks with Phoenix over the 33-year-old and were reported to be working on an agreement that would involve a third team taking on shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the Suns likely receiving assets.

Turner though, added the Suns have since turned down a three-team proposal while sources also confirmed to him that the Houston Rockets called the Lakers two weeks ago about trading for Caldwell-Pope, though no deal is imminent.

Houston's interest in Caldwell-Pope as part of a three-team deal was also confirmed by The Athletic as they are "in desperate search for an upgrade at the wing." It is not known, however, if they are the third team in the deal that was turned down by Phoenix as per Turner's report.

The Rockets have had a poor start to the season and are currently in 14th in the Western Conference with a 12-14 record. A wing player has been a necessity for them in recent weeks and they most recently showed an interest in Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith.

The Suns, meanwhile, have the worst record in the NBA having won just four of 26 games, and as per ESPN, are reportedly looking to receive a playmaking guard and a draft asset in exchange for Ariza, whose $15 million deal expires next summer.

Having played for the Lakers from 2007 to 2009, Ariza returning to the 16-time champions would boost their playoff chances and give them added experience and a threat from the three-point line. The forward currently averages 9.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists with 35.3 percent shooting from three-point range over 25 games this season.

A trade can only happen on Dec. 15 for both Ariza and Caldwell-Pope as they signed one-year deals at the start of the season.

The Athletic report also adds that Caldwell-Pope has the power to veto any potential deal, with him and his agent Rich Paul likely to only sign off on a trade that would benefit his career. However, he is focused on the present for now.

"I'm just focused right now," Caldwell-Pope told reporters in response to trade rumors. "Playing here now."

He currently averages 8.6 points and 2.3 rebounds over 27 games this season.

With a few days left for the Dec. 15 date, a deal between all the parties could still be worked out before then, but it's also possible that Ariza for example, who reportedly has no less than eight teams interested in his services, could go somewhere else.