Well, the Houston Rockets didn't waste any time getting back at the Los Angeles Lakers for nabbing Ron Artest. According to two reports, the Rockets are discussing a deal with free-agent forward Trevor Ariza, who was likely nudged out of Los Angeles by Artest's arrival. (Update: ESPN's Marc Stein reports Ariza has verbally commtted to Houston.)Ariza expressed disdain that the Lakers only offered the mid-level exception (approximately $5.6 million per season) and said he would take a comparable contract elsewhere. The Rockets can only offer the mid-level but with Yao Ming likely to miss next season with a left foot injury and Tracy McGrady coming off microfracture knee surgery, Ariza would have a chance to shine with the Rockets.
The question for the Ariza, 24, is whether that is enough for him to risk playing with a rebuilding team next season. The Portland Trail Blazers, who are also courting Orlando's Hedo Turkoglu, have an opening for a swingman with Martell Webster coming off injury.
Ariza flourished last season in helping the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA title and has transformed from a journeyman to a marketable player because of his age, potential and rapidly improving game. The Lakers had the difficult decision of choosing between Ariza and Lamar Odom, who should demand more money. Artest, on the other hand, was willing to accept the mid level for a chance to play in Los Angeles.
With Sasha Vujacic and Luke Walton signed to long-term deals, the Lakers were limited in what they could offer Ariza. Also, the acquisition of Adam Morrison, which also netted the useful Shannon Brown, counts $5.2 million against the cap for next season. And the Lakers have $41 million tied to Andrew Bynum over the next three years, which could become a cap killer if he does not improve.
PHOTOS: Tornado Aftermath Leaves Trail Of Destruction
WATCH: Tornadoes Rip Through Central U.S.
PHOTOS: Tornadoes Wreak Havoc On Central U.S.
Oklahoma Senators Face Difficult Options On Disaster Relief
Bomb Blasts Claim More Lives In Iraq
Yahoo-Tumblr Deal Is Official: We Promise 'Not To Screw It Up'
Court Annuls Rios Montt Genocide Conviction
Elementary Schools Hit By Oklahoma Tornado
Did Pope Francis Perform An Exorcism?
Police END Search For Susan Powell
Sequestration Weakens Government Watchdogs, Making It Harder To Detect Waste And Fraud
Obama Signs Oklahoma Disaster Declaration
Dem Gov Signs Landmark Bill Into Law
Sarah Palin: 'Global Warming My Gluteus Maximus'
FBI Now Involved In Michele Bachmann Investigation
Treasury, IRS Reportedly Spoke Multiple Times About How To Handle Scandal
WATCH: Even The TV Anchors Had To Evacuate
Someone Just Made An Even Better 3D-Printed Gun
WATCH: Robert Gibbs Takes Swipe At Maureen Dowd
IT'S OFFICIAL
Stop-And-Frisk Judge Sharply Questions City Lawyers
Godfather Of Slain Student Blames NY Police
The DOJ's Targeting Of Fox News Reporter Risks Criminalizing Journalism
Feds Say Trespassing Peace Activists Are A National Security Threat
Wall Street Beating Families To Houses During Recovery
Ex-Senator Laments 'Unfair' FAA Budget Fix
Senate Report Reveals Apple's Unusual Tax Structure
NYU Researchers Gave Secrets To Chinese Competitors, Feds Say
Walmart Slammed For Handling Of Bribery Case
Facebook Group Reunites Tornado Victims With Their Belongings
