#1: Trevor Ariza – Phoenix Suns; One year, $15 million

Trevor Ariza will have the largest impact of any “under-the-radar” signing from the offseason. It may not translate to a significant increase in wins or a playoff berth for the Suns, but the value and experience aspect Ariza brings to this young team will pay its dues for the future.

The Houston Rockets would have loved to keep Ariza in town, but having to extend max contracts to both Chris Paul and Clint Capela left them over the cap limit. Ariza was looking for a deal worth around $15 million annually, and Phoenix had a lot of money to spend.

Ariza has played in the shadow of James Harden and Chris Paul for years now. He did not come to Phoenix in hopes of being a primary offensive option, but he is a beyond capable threat on that end of the floor. Ariza’s consistency and leadership are invaluable to the Suns’ young building blocks for the future.

The Phoenix Suns are clearly Devin Booker’s team, along with rookie center and number one overall pick, Deandre Ayton. Ariza figures to be the primary role player for this team but also is going to be expected to lead the locker room with fellow free agent signee, Jamal Crawford.

Ariza won an NBA Championship in 2009 with the Los Angeles Lakers and has played alongside the likes of Kobe Bryant, John Wall, and the aforementioned Harden and Paul. He brings the experience and veteran influence that all young teams covet, and the Suns hope that he can help instill a culture of winning for the future.