Ariza: Miami “A Place I Definitely Wanted To Be”

Veteran swingman Trevor Ariza made his debut for the Heat on Friday, just days after he was traded by the Thunder to Miami ahead of the 2021 NBA trade deadline. The 35-year-old has now suited up for 10 different teams during his well-traveled career.

Ariza tallied just two assists in six minutes of action in Miami’s loss but he nonetheless feels capable of helping the reigning Eastern Conference champions. Despite struggling early, the Heat occupy fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 22-20 record and Ariza thinks it’ll be a good fit for him.

“This is a place I definitely wanted to be,” Ariza told reporters, including Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Twitter link).

Ariza had not played all season after he was acquired by Oklahoma City and reached an agreement to remain away from the team. In 53 games between the Kings and Blazers last season, Ariza averaged 8.0 PPG and 4.8 RPG.

Now, in his attempt to compete for a title, Ariza feels his situation in Miami is a suitable one.

“I just feel it matches my style of person,” he said (Twitter link).

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