Truth & Rumors > NBA

Cavs talking to Artest, Ariza

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Two players who didn't seem like they were going to be available to the Cavaliers ended up in the team's crosshairs at the end of day one of the NBA free-agency period. According to several league sources, the Cavs are attempting to land Houston Rockets free-agent forward Ron Artest, and the pitch included a meeting with LeBron James on Tuesday night in Los Angeles as both were in Southern California for various events. In addition, a league source indicated the team is trying to attract Los Angeles Lakers swingman Trevor Ariza, who appears to be disgruntled with the Lakers' early attempts to re-sign him.

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Ron Artest, Getty Images Ron Artest, Getty Images
July 2, 2009  08:29 AM ET

they can talk all they want-
unless they put up the $$$$....
neither are coming

ps- they DO realize that both play the same position as LBJ, right?

July 2, 2009  08:44 AM ET

The Lakers got to stop BS'ing when it comes to bringing back key players. They let Turiaf go off to the Warriors (in what I thought was a huge mistake) and now they might do the same with Ariza. The Lakers got to do more to keep their players, man.

Anyway, I think Ariza eventually gets an offer worth his time and return to the Lakers. Ron on the other hand, is hard to predict. I think he will return to the Rockets but at the same time this dude really wants to win so it wouldn't shock me if takes the MLE to go off to the Cavs or some other contender that offers him a shot.

July 2, 2009  08:46 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

they can talk all they want- unless they put up the $$$$....neither are comingps- they DO realize that both play the same position as LBJ, right?

I agree that they would need to pay to get either of these (Artest maybe takes a discount to play with LBJ).

I honestly think that LBJ and either of these guys could be on the court at the same time. Would fit the 2 and 3 holes.

Still think that Wallace is a better fit for the Cavs. They could use a 4 to stretch the floor.

July 2, 2009  09:08 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

I agree that they would need to pay to get either of these (Artest maybe takes a discount to play with LBJ).I honestly think that LBJ and either of these guys could be on the court at the same time. Would fit the 2 and 3 holes.Still think that Wallace is a better fit for the Cavs. They could use a 4 to stretch the floor.

Exactly.. LeBron can play the 2, 3, or even the 4 in a small lineup. Artest can play the 2 or the 3. Only Ariza is really locked into the 3 spot.

July 2, 2009  09:08 AM ET

Cavs will go for the cheaper player and get knocked out again.... should I say Ariza?

July 2, 2009  09:28 AM ET
QUOTE(#2):

Ron on the other hand, is hard to predict. I think he will return to the Rockets but at the same time this dude really wants to win so it wouldn't shock me if takes the MLE to go off to the Cavs or some other contender that offers him a shot.

I just do not see that-
he has 'lost' so much $$ due to his past disgressions-
that there is no way (IMO) he doesn't go to whomever gives him
the highest paycheck - that's not a COMPLETE bottom feeder

July 2, 2009  09:41 AM ET

The Cavs should trade with the Pistons. Biz Z & Delonte for Rip. The Cavs would get a very good scorer that would take the load off LBJ and would knock down FT's when it matters. and the pistons get a legit center and a quality back up behind stuckey/gordon or even start for stuckey. And this would also help the chemistry issue for both teams since they wont have to worry about who to start at Center for the Cavs and shooting guard for the Pistons. That's if the $$$ would allow it.

July 2, 2009  09:52 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

they can talk all they want- unless they put up the $$$$....neither are coming ps- they DO realize that both play the same position as LBJ, right?

either two can move to shooting guard

July 2, 2009  10:17 AM ET
QUOTE(#5):

Cavs will go for the cheaper player and get knocked out again.... should I say Ariza?

Do you even read what you write? The Cavs can only offer the MLE to either player, its not a matter of them not willing to spend more money to get one of these guys. You really are not very smart are you?

July 2, 2009  10:29 AM ET

It is all going to come down to does Ron want a payday or does Ron want to have a legitimate chance to win a championship? I really like what Artest has done in recent years with keeping a low profile and I think he would be a great option to have alongside LBJ. Lets face it, LBJ can pretty much play any position on the floor so it would not be a problem having Artest on the team, They will make room. I think he is a much better option than Andy and creates defensive problems all over the place.

July 2, 2009  10:42 AM ET
QUOTE(#9):

Do you even read what you write? The Cavs can only offer the MLE to either player, its not a matter of them not willing to spend more money to get one of these guys. You really are not very smart are you?

UUmmm the Cavs can split the MLE between players where Ariza (which I doubt) would not take the whole 5.6 which Artest would. Now brush up on YOUR Knowledge before downing someone else. And in the words of Major Payne "SO WHO'S THE DUMMY NOW".

July 2, 2009  10:43 AM ET
QUOTE(#5):

Cavs will go for the cheaper player and get knocked out again.... should I say Ariza?

First this guy is a hater( what will the Knicks do )

Second Artest would be the best pick up if they can aford him he can play every position on the court except the Point and so can Lebron there would be no defensive issues at all and on Offense he would pull the 4 out of the paint for Shaq and Lebron to beat up on teams. I would love the trade but lets see what happens

July 2, 2009  10:47 AM ET
QUOTE(#9):

Do you even read what you write? The Cavs can only offer the MLE to either player, its not a matter of them not willing to spend more money to get one of these guys. You really are not very smart are you?

Listen up dummy.. they can always do a sign and trade if they want to additional salary are you kidding me... they still have some expiring contracts... only reason they won't is cos

1. it'll be very costly as they have to pay dollar for dollar as they are over the cap.
2. they don't have any serviceable players aside Lebron, Mo, & Shaq....

Six years of Lebron and that's all Ferry has been able to get.

July 2, 2009  10:47 AM ET
QUOTE(#11):

UUmmm the Cavs can split the MLE between players where Ariza (which I doubt) would not take the whole 5.6 which Artest would. Now brush up on YOUR Knowledge before downing someone else. And in the words of Major Payne "SO WHO'S THE DUMMY NOW".

The only way they can really pull off getting both of them would be to sign and trade Andy to houston who wants him and then sign Ariza MLE. That Knick fan is a hater and should be downed the cavs have not been cheap for years and are over the cap for a reason cause they spend

July 2, 2009  10:47 AM ET

RON will be a Lakers if Ariza leaves. Mark my words!

July 2, 2009  10:49 AM ET
QUOTE(#13):

Listen up dummy.. they can always do a sign and trade if they want to additional salary are you kidding me... they still have some expiring contracts... only reason they won't is cos 1. it'll be very costly as they have to pay dollar for dollar as they are over the cap.2. they don't have any serviceable players aside Lebron, Mo, & Shaq.... Six years of Lebron and that's all Ferry has been able to get.

Don't you have a Knicks page to comment on ?
Oh my bad who cares about the knicks
The knicks will kill Jason Kidd career

July 2, 2009  10:49 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

they can talk all they want- unless they put up the $$$$....neither are comingps- they DO realize that both play the same position as LBJ, right?

YOU DO realize that LBJ can play any position on the floor right? plus artest would fit nicely into the 4 spot and be a much better defender against rashard lewis, KG would be a little tougher matchup for artest but i still think he can hold his own better than Andy V.

July 2, 2009  10:51 AM ET

It is not a money thing for ron artest it will be between the Lakers and Cavs where he plays this year.. Or should I say KOBE and LEBRON

July 2, 2009  10:54 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

they can talk all they want- unless they put up the $$$$....neither are comingps- they DO realize that both play the same position as LBJ, right?

They realize that and both can play SG also. They also could be key bench player

 
July 2, 2009  11:00 AM ET
QUOTE(#17):

YOU DO realize that LBJ can play any position on the floor right? plus artest would fit nicely into the 4 spot and be a much better defender against rashard lewis, KG would be a little tougher matchup for artest but i still think he can hold his own better than Andy V.

LBJ is the worlds best player (arguable)
you're going to move his position ? lol

Yes Artest can slide to the 4 or 2- but why not go for a NATURAL 4?
My point is Artest will make ANY TEAM he goes to better
cavs, griz, portland.....
But he AIN'T signing a mid level
- so for the cavs to 'focus' on him is a waste of time.

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