Jul

4

Ariza Rockets To Houston Via Free Agency

Posted by Matt Loede under NBA Free Agents 

The Cavaliers have once again lost out on a free agent they were taking a hard look at, as the LA Times among other sources report that Lakers free agent Trevor Ariza has made a verbal commitment with the Houston Rockets. It’s an interesting twist, as the Rockets lost Ron Artest (another player the Cavaliers were talking to) to the Lakers, and now the Rockets will gain the former Laker in Ariza.

The Times reports that Ariza has agreed to a five-year deal for about $33 million, which is about the same that the Lakers had offered in their effort to retain him. “I had to do what was best for me and family,” Ariza said. “I am happy with my decision. I’m glad this all worked out. The Rockets are going to give me a chance to improve my game and that’s all you can ask for.”

Reports are that Ariza passed up more money from another team, but that team probably was not Cleveland, and could have been either the Blazers or the Clippers. “We decided to go with Houston anyway,” Ariza’s agent – David Lee said. “It was never about the money. It was about going someplace where you felt appreciated.”

So that’s two strikes for the Cavaliers in the free agent market. A third very well could come soon, as long-time Piston forward Rasheed Wallace reportedly has an offer on the table from the Boston Celtics, and a decision on that for him could come very soon.

With those three forwards basically gone, the Cavaliers may have to settle for the guy already on the roster – Anderson Varejao. Aside from that, the Plain Dealer reports that another player that could be on their radar is Toronto Raptors free agent guard Anthony Parker.

Parker put up 10.8 points per game last season, along with 3.4 assists. He’s 34 years old, and has also played with the 76′ers and Magic. Finally, could Shawn Marion also be in the Cavaliers thoughts? The same PD article says Marion, a former All-Star also from the Raptors, could fit the Cavaliers plans.

Marion scored 12.9 points per game last year with 8.5 rebounds. The forward is a 10-year pro from UNLV, and has seen time with the Suns and Heat.


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