http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3510261 " 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. "
Which obviously means nothing. This was the same generic reaction used to welcome Stromile Swift and Steve Francis.
I'm thinking he recognizes the significance of this move compared to Francis and Swift as much as the rest of us do, and then some.
T-mac has said that for the last 3 years, but this is the most talented player we have picked up to play beside him and Yao. Now all they need to do is stay healthy.
Exaclty what I was thinking. That paragraph he said Artest being tough and talented minus the size, I swear, he said the same about Francis a year ago.
"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. So it is not official? Any teams can still offer the Kings a better package, so don't overly excited yet!
This is the year baby, I can feel it! I'm excited too T-Mac! Now, they better stay healthy, please. This year's slogan should be: This time, no injuries will happen.
I would imagine the agreement has been inked, we are just waiting for Aug.14 to be fully executed. Morey is not stupid.
If people can't see the difference between adding Artest and adding Francis last year then I don't know what difference they will see in anything.
Haha, some of you guys always have to hate on Tracy don't you? What the hell do you expect him to say? In fact, what did you expect him to say when we signed Swift and Francis? He's obviously going to say good things. This signing is different. It's bringing a 3rd LEGIT star to the Rockets. Damn right, Tracy is going to be happy!
Seriously. Tmac was being interviewed and had to say it. He was probably thinking, 'oh cool, i'm sure that washed up dude won't do much.' This time, you can guarantee that his comments are genuine.
shane battier is a lot more happier than tmac. doesnt have to guard the teams best swingman for the entire game anymore. but ya tmac has to be happy. w/ shane and ron he'll barely use energy for defense which means offensive firestorm. finally the houston tmac we've all been waiting for.
No you're dreaming. Try kicking yourself in the nuts as hard as you can and then go randomly curse an old lady in the street to find out if you really are dreaming
tmac needed another player that can put the ball on the floor and make a play for himself. artest does just that. its like having 2 tmacs!! one thats offensively minded, the other defensive. throw in shane and yao....with rafer's handles, i smell rings!
