Another player has decided to opt-out from the NBA resumed season in Orlando. First it was Davis Bertans, and now its Trevor Ariza.
Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN reported that the Trail Blazers Guard won't travel to Orlando with the team, committing instead to a one-month visitation window with his 12 year-old son.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Trevor Ariza is opting-out of participation in the NBA’s Orlando restart of the season, committing instead to a one-month visitation window with his young son, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2020
Ariza, who chose those parenting responsibilities over competing, could lose between $1M and $1.8M in salary based on whether the Blazers reach the playoffs.
The Blazers, led by Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, are chasing the 8th. seed in the West, being only three games behind the Memphis Grizzlies. Ariza has played 53 games this season, averaging 8 points and almost 5 rebounds per game, shooting 43% from the field.
Despite this tough loss for Portland, they are expected to medically clear Zach Collins and Jusuf Nurkic, who have been out for extended periods.