College/Pro Sports
Source: Rockets agree on multiyear deal with Ariza
HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Rockets have reached a multiyear deal with free agent Trevor Ariza, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday night.
The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because NBA rules prohibit announcing free-agent deals until next week, said the Rockets offered Ariza the full mid-level exception for the first year, about $5.6 million.
Ariza is coming to Houston just as Ron Artest decided to leave and play for the Los Angeles Lakers. Ariza is likely to take Artest's spot in the Rockets' starting lineup.
The 6-foot-8 Ariza averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Lakers last season, which ended with the NBA championship.
The 24-year-old Ariza earned $3.1 million last season and he boosted his value during the playoffs, when he averaged 11.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
Ariza was acquired by the Lakers in a trade from Orlando in November 2007. He just completed his fifth NBA season after being drafted by the New York Knicks with the 43rd overall pick in 2004.
Ariza said after the Lakers' championship run that he was hoping to stay there. But his agent, David Lee, told KRIV-TV in Houston that Ariza got the impression that the Lakers didn't want him anymore.
"It was never about the money," Lee said. "It was about being at a place where he felt wanted and appreciated."
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey did not immediately return a phone message on Thursday night.
He flew to Las Vegas on Thursday to meet with Ariza, a sign that he was already expecting Artest to leave.
The Rockets will need Ariza's versatility and perimeter shooting early next season, because they know they'll be missing Tracy McGrady for the bulk of next season. The seven-time All-Star is recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee and could be out until February.
The Rockets are also awaiting a definitive prognosis on Yao, who sustained a hairline fracture in his left foot in the playoffs. Morey made an aggressive pitch to free agent center Marcin Gortat shortly after the free agency period began on Wednesday.
- College/Pro Sports
-
-
Pence hits 3-run HR, Astros sweep slumping Cards
Even their opponents are surprised by the St. Louis Cardinals' slide.
-
Oudin, Roddick lose and Azarenka falls at US Open
One woman's exit from the U.S. Open was jarring and sudden. Another's came off as sad and not all that surprising.
-
No preseason Heisman hype for Big 12 quarterbacks
Where have all the hyped-up Big 12 quarterbacks gone?
-
How the Cowboys will decide on their 53-man roster
Every day since the start of training camp, and sometimes twice a day, coach Wade Phillips has studied the Dallas Cowboys roster and picked the 53 guys he thinks should make the team.
-
Romo not playing preseason finale; McGee to start
Whatever improvements Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys expect to make before the regular season will have to come on the practice field.
-
Foster emerges as top back for Texans
Houston running back Arian Foster wants to get one of his offensive linemen into the Pro Bowl. He certainly wouldn't turn down an invitation for himself.
-
Happ throws 2-hitter as Astros shut out Cards 3-0
J.A. Happ was determined to pitch better on Monday night than he did in his last outing against the St. Louis Cardinals.
-
Japan takes Little League WS title
The mini-mashers from Hawaii had a hard time with Japan's strong pitching.
-
Shanahan unsure on McNabb for Redskins opener
It could be a smoke screen or just a cautious assessment of his quarterback's health, but Mike Shanahan says he's not certain Donovan McNabb will be available for the Washington Redskins' season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
-
Strasburg likely to have Tommy John surgery
Stephen Strasburg has a torn elbow ligament and will likely have Tommy John surgery, bringing the pitcher's promising rookie season to an abrupt end.
- More College/Pro Sports Headlines
-
Pence hits 3-run HR, Astros sweep slumping Cards
