Portland Trail Blazers forward Trevor Ariza has opted to sit out the NBA’s restart in Orlando, and instead focus on his one-month visitation window with his 12-year-old son, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
It’s been reported that Ariza’s custody case pertaining to his son has been ongoing. The mother elected to grant a court-ordered one-month visitation period during the time of the league’s restart. This decision prompted Ariza to choose his parental responsibilities over competing with the Blazers in Florida.
Ariza’s decision to not play could cost him between $1 million and $1.8 million dollars in salary – depending on whether Portland makes the playoffs or not. He’s currently under contract to make a minimum-guaranteed $12.8 million dollars through the 2020-2021 season.
Players have until Wednesday to inform the league whether they will partake in the NBA’s 22-league restart or not. Teams have until July 1st to submit their travel parties.Â
Ariza began the season with the Sacramento Kings. However, they traded him to the Blazers in January. He started every game for them and averaged 11 points and 4.8 rebounds – while shooting 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point land. Portland was 29-37 before the NBA truncated the season.
