here's the article: Ron Artest didn't opt out then doubted his decision. It looks like that might be a moot point. Multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday that the Sacramento Kings had agreed to trade the forward to the Rockets. The Houston Chronicle reported that the Kings would receive Bobby Jackson, a No. 1 draft pick in 2009 and another player that the newspaper's source could not identify. KRIV television in Houston reported that the Kings will also receive cash. "Yes, it has been tentatively agreed upon," said Artest's agent, Mark Stevens, according to KRIV. "Now it has to be confirmed by the league office and until that is done, it's not official. Two weeks ago, Artest told ESPN.com that he was unhappy with himself for not opting out of his deal and becoming a free agent before the July 1 deadline. He hoped to be traded to "a team out there that can be more committed than Sacramento to me." In Houston, Artest would team with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming to form one of the toughest trios in the NBA. With Yao injured much of the season, the Rockets finished 55-27 last season, good for third in the Southwest Division. They lost in the first round to the Utah Jazz in six games. When told of the deal, McGrady was ecstatic. "I couldn't be more happy," McGrady said, according to KRIV. "Pleased at how the organization is trying to improve this team, get the help that Yao and myself really need to really get to where we want to be and that's one of the elite teams in this league. "If this is true, this is definitely what I have been waiting on for 11 years in my career, for a team to really improve and put the talent [on the floor] that I feel that we can compete with the best." Injuries held Artest to only 57 games last season, but he averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game for the 38-44 Kings. Sacramento traded point guard Mike Bibby during the season last year and dealing Artest shows that the team is in full rebuilding mode under second-year coach Reggie Theus. "He brings a mental and physical toughness" McGrady said, according to KRIV. "He brings a guy that competes at a high level on the basketball court. Defensively, he's tough. Offensively, he is a force to be reckoned with. He's probably one of the most difficult guys to guard on the perimeter because of his size, because of his strength." Bobby Jackson, who split his time between New Orleans and Houston last season, averaged 7.7 points per game. This would be his second stint with the Kings where he had his most productive years of his career from 2000 to 2005.
Look at it from our point of view,we won't have depth at the 4. Landry's injury history makes it essential to retain Scola. I still think Battier will have a significant role to play with less minutes. 40 mins plus for both him and McGrady is too much which is the real reason for this trade IMO.This of course depends on what Ron wants to do and the health of the team. The Kings may not have wanted Luis, he is better than Jason Thompson IMO,but they might not have wanted/needed him because they are rebuilding.
I feel kinda bad that Donte Greene is gone. I was so excited for him in our future but now if he is going to Sacramento I hope he busts. RUTHLESS.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/5914062.html http://blogs.chron.com/nba/2008/07/ron_ron_a_rocket_rockets_picku.html
No, not at all. Battier is not an elite player. Artest is. Additionally, Battier did not turn us into a title contender. Artest DOES.
Landry just became instantly expendable! Artest is very capable of playing the 4 if needed. With Artest and Dorsey we became a lot more agressive and tougher also.
Says you. Remains to be seen who starts. Artest can come off the bench and still get 30-35 minutes. The point is that we have better scoring off the bench from Artest, instead of Battier who is just a spot up 3 shooter.
Scola isn't going to be a part of the trade. The principal of the deal was already agreed upon. They aren't going to try and ask for a rotation player like Scola afterwards... Plus... the status quo for Sac right now seems to be to get as many future picks and young players so they can rebuild around Martin. So it wouldn't make sense to grab Scola. It would make more sense to get Landry. Which... sure they can have Landry. We have enough PF depth to trade a backup PF. Plus Artest can log a few minutes there if need be.
simply stunned ... and ecstatic! increases defense, athleticism, and is our third scorer. A perfect fit, since Adelman has experience bringing out the best in him. A low risk, since we didn't lose any rotation players. This was the most important move this summer I hoped they'd make, and I'm thrilled.
I'm still in shock. We gave up Jackson, Greene, and a low first rounder for Artest. We gave up end of the bench guys for a (albeit crazy) border-line allstar. I cannot wait for this next season to begin, and who knows what else Morey has up his sleeves. I'm way beyond "finally win a first round series." I've moved into the "at least the WCF, NBA championship doesn't seem that out of the question." Makes me want to start the Magic Number thread for 2008-2009 right now. We will definitely be in the running for the #1 or #2 seed. Damn, damn, damn. I need something to drink to clear my head. Morey=Evil Genius (I'm glad he's on our side...tough luck to everyone else)
Morey is a GENIUS. This is the definition of low risk high reward (assuming the player to be named later is either Novak or Luther Head)...I hope his attitude problems stay in Sacramento though, although he seems to have matured recently. Artest strengthens our already top 5 defense and brings an additional 20 ppg of scoring to the table (although that will probably lower after playing with Yao and Tmac). Still. Imagine that starting 5....
