Ariza May Take Artest's Place in Houston

by Gary WashburnWell, 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.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.Ariza May Take Artest's Place in Houston originally appeared on Fanhouse NBA Blog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:15:00 EDT . Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments