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Report: Austin Rivers, bench player for 11-18 Wizards, won’t report to Suns

Rivers never suited up for Phoenix after being involved in the Trevor Ariza trade.

NBA: Brooklyn Nets at Washington Wizards Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Even though Austin Rivers was seen by some as the main piece in the Trevor Ariza trade that was made official on Monday, helping add depth to the Suns’ backcourt rotation, he was released the same day he was acquired, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Now, only Kelly Oubre Jr. will be joining the team when they face the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

Rivers being released makes sense with De’Anthony Melton still needing minutes to develop, but him seemingly refusing to join a rebuilding team was surprising. Doc Rivers’ son will now be free to join whatever team he wants once he clears waivers, presumably a championship-contending team in need of combo guards (Houston, Indiana, and Philadelphia all make sense off the top of my head).

The Suns now have an open roster spot again, but there’s no indication they are in a rush to fill it now. They could take their time all the way up until February’s trade deadline or even further.

Currently, here’s how their rotation looks after jettisoning Rivers:

PG: Melton, Jamal Crawford

SG: Devin Booker, Troy Daniels

SF: Mikal Bridges, Josh Jackson

PF: T.J. Warren, Oubre Jr.

C: Deandre Ayton, Richaun Holmes

Stay tuned to Bright Side of the Sun as we bring you further updates on this developing situation. What’s your thoughts on this move by Phoenix?

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