There are 'four or five' teams expressing interest in Austin Rivers once he is bought out by the Phoenix Suns, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Four to five other teams are still expressing interest in Rivers, sources said. No formal offer yet from Memphis, with several days until Rivers clears waivers. https://t.co/RUkLDrVqJF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 18, 2018
Rivers was a part of the deal that occurred over the weekend between the Suns and the Washington Wizards. The Wizards sent Rivers and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. to the Suns in exchange for 15-year veteran Trevor Ariza.
Monday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski had mentioned that the Suns and Rivers had mutally agreed to part ways following the completion of the deal.
After trade with Wizards, Suns agree to part ways with G Austin Rivers, per ESPN sources. Rivers – earning $12.6M in final year of deal – becomes a free agent upon clearing waivers. As a veteran, sides concluded Rivers fits better on an older team that's pursuing playoffs.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 18, 2018
Rivers was acquired by the Wizards via trade in the offseason when Washington sent Marcin Gortat to the LA Clippers. He only played 29 games for the Wizards averaging a mere 7.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists shooting 39.2 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from three in 23.6 minutes per contest.
It was originally reported that the Memphis Grizzlies were going to sign Rivers once he is bought out by the Suns, but conflicting reports has led to the change in language in his next destination. It is still expected that he will be bought out by the Suns, but where he will sign next is still in question.