Reports: Ariza to join Suns for one year, $15M

Former Houston Rockets swingman Trevor Ariza agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal to join the Phoenix Suns, according to multiple media reports early Sunday morning.

Ariza, who turned 33 on Saturday, officially became a free agent at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday.

The 14-year veteran spent the last four seasons with the Houston Rockets -- his second stint with the team -- and averaged 11.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in 67 contests during the 2017-18 campaign.

• READ: NBA sets 2018-19 salary cap at $101.869 million

He often drew the job of defending opposing teams' top-scoring wing for a Houston defense that improved from a tie for 17th in defensive rating (106.4) in 2016-17 to sixth (103.8) last season.

The Suns will be the seventh NBA team for Ariza, who has played in at least 80 games in three of the past four seasons. Phoenix has already improved its roster this offseason by adding center Deandre Ayton with the No. 1 overall draft pick and wing Mikal Bridges via a draft-day trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ariza has career averages of 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 942 games.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.