NBA Daily: Who Else Should Be Let Go?

The Houston Rockets made an interesting move recently, parting ways with DeMarcus Cousins — and it seems like the agreement was mutual.

The Rockets want to play younger and a different style to what would suit Cousins on the court. Cousins, meanwhile, has proven he’s healthy and wanted to play for a team that’s more focused on winning a title right now. They did him a favor and, in the process, likely earned some favor with agents, both Cousins and those representing other players.

But are there any other players out there that could do with the same sort of move? Every player, young or old, wants to win games, but who, in particular, might be able to work out a similar sort of deal to what Cousins and the Rockets have done?

Trevor Ariza, Oklahoma City Thunder

A lot of people have forgotten that Ariza is even on the Thunder. Well, sort of, anyway; since they acquired him, Ariza has yet to report to the team, which is perfectly okay with Oklahoma City as they determine what to do with him next.

Of course, the 16-year journeyman has no interest in playing for the rebuilding Thunder. Likewise, rather than play Ariza, Oklahoma City would like more than anything to move him to a contender for a potential future asset.

At this point in his career, what exactly can Ariza bring to the table? The 6-foot-8 versatile wing is still a strong defender and the type of veteran presence any younger contender might want in the locker room. Ariza also shot 40 percent from three last season, the second-highest mark of his career. Look for someone to take a chance on him and, while it might not open up minutes for any rookies or younger players in Oklahoma City, like the Cousins-Rockets move it could buildup considerable goodwill with agents and potential free agents down the road.

Austin Rivers, New York Knicks

There would no longer appear to be a place for Austin Rivers in the New York Knicks’ backcourt. Since adding Derrick Rose, Rivers has dropped behind him, fellow veteran Elfrid Payton and rookie Immanuel Quickley in the Knicks’ guard rotation. And, with only one non-guaranteed year left on his deal, New York could easily let him go without any long-term cap space ramifications.

Rivers has, more or less, looked like the same player he was a season ago. But, with the addition of Rose and the emergence of Quickely, there just isn’t playing time to go around. And, as the Knicks look to build off this season and potentially compete as soon as next year, they could stand to build a positive reputation, to show other players that they can take care of their veteran players.

And, while Rivers may want to stay in New York, giving him the opportunity to choose his next team reflects significantly better on the Knicks than leaving him to rot on the bench or flipping him to a squad he doesn’t want to play for ever could.

Wayne Ellington, Detroit Pistons

Ellington seemed to be a signing that the Pistons would flip for an asset if he performed well. And, to his credit, he’s done just that: shooting 42.1 percent from three this season, Ellington would provide a nice bench boost to just about any contender.

Detroit has already shown a willingness to play younger guys over veterans. Rose was moved earlier this month, while it was recently reported that Blake Griffin would hit the bench permanently as the team either looked to negotiate a buyout or find a suitable trade for the veteran forward. While Ellington may not be the contributor Rose is, or the type Griffin could be in the right situation, he’s a solid piece on an expiring deal, something that could make him extremely attractive to competing teams that are looking to maintain flexibility beyond this season.

Tony Snell, Atlanta Hawks

Snell was traded to the Hawks this past offseason and, while he has played well when given the opportunity, it’s been hard for him to earn minutes on a team that is loaded on the wing. Through 17 games this season, Snell is averaging just 13.6 minutes, a career-low. That said, he’s a strong three-point shooter and, like Ellington, could be a nice end-of-the-rotation upgrade for a contender.

The veteran presence of Snell is certainly attractive as well, but the Hawks, with a potent mix of veteran talent and high upside youth, should do right by him and allow him to find a situation that might lead to more time on the court.

Whether if be by trade, buyout or letting the player go, you can expect movement from these four players (and more) over the next month as we inch closer to the NBA’s trade deadline.