NBA champion and 18-year veteran Trevor Ariza has left fans shocked after detailing his precarious financial position in the wake of a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife.
Ariza, who was drafted by the Knicks and won a ring with the Lakers in 2009, made an eyewatering $116 million during his career, but now his money troubles have been laid bare in court four years after he hung up his cleats.
While many would perhaps have expected a player of his caliber to be set for life, Ariza – now 40 – made just $2,316 last month as a trainer for the disabled.
According to an income and expense declaration filed in court, which was first reported by TMZ, Ariza earns an average of $6,000 per month in his current role.
In addition to his earnings – which appear to fluctuate from month to month – he reported $667 in earnings from an investment in Buffalo Wild Wings.Â
Ariza says he had $50,000 in cash and bank accounts, and $2.5 million in real estate property, bought during his lucrative playing career.
Ex-NBA star Trevor Ariza has laid bare his financial situation in a new court document
Ariza (right) won the NBA title with the Lakers in 2009 and earned a huge $116m in his career
His expenses, meanwhile, have also been laid bare in the documents: $2K on healthcare, $2K on groceries, $2K on utilities, $500 on cleaning and laundry, $2K on education, $500 on clothes, and $2K on auto expenses and insurance.
That $11.6k in expenses quite clearly dwarfs the $2,316 he claims he made last month, as his bitter legal battle with ex-wife Bree Anderson Ariza continues. Â
Earlier this year, Ariza spoke out about his financial struggles, admitting he is broke and in need of help. At the time, he claimed he had a bank account sitting at negative $230,000.Â
The former basketball star is said to have been the primary caregiver for his son Tristan since 2023, after which Bree left the marriage with a luxury car, real estate and half of his retirement accounts.
Ariza has previously claimed she ‘refuses to work or contribute financially, despite being able to do so.’Â
Ariza is in an ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Bree, who he divorced back in 2024
Former NBA star Ariza (left, with LeBron James) claims he earned just $2,316 last month
The ex-NBA star has been attempting to lower his child support payments in court, and last year he commented: ‘I’ve been exploring deals, trying everything to create income. Nothing stable has come through. Things changed since we finalized this [divorce].’
After being selected at No 43 overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Knicks, Ariza went on to play for 10 different franchises in an 18-year career.Â
At the height of his career, just after winning the 2009 title with the Lakers, Ariza signed a $34 million contract with the Rockets.
In the years since, he agreed further $32m, $15m and $25m contracts, and his total earnings in the NBA when he stepped away was a remarkable $116m.
