Impending Wizards free agent Trevor Ariza: 'Free agents would be crazy not to want to come here'

Washington Wizards forward Trevor Ariza might have tipped his hand with a bold proclamation on Monday.

In an interview with Michael Lee of the Washington Post, Ariza spoke highly of the Wizards' organization, perhaps too highly for his agent's liking:

The organization has been great. My teammates, we hang out all the time, so I think this is a really good destination. Free agents would be crazy not to want to come here

The oft-traded Ariza was rightfully excited about the Washington, as he has played more games for the Wizards in two seasons than any of his other four NBA stops across the Knicks, Magic, Lakers or Hornets.

Ariza is an unrestricted free-agent, and given his age (28) and production, he will likely be among the most sought-after players this offseason. Last season, Ariza averaged 14.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He is an excellent defender, and has a consistent three-point shooting stroke. 

Publicly expressing his feeling for the Wizards might ordinarily hinder his bargaining position, but given that the Wizards are hot off one of their most successful seasons in recent history, it's a near certainty that Washington is interested in re-signing their starting small-forward.