KFDM COOP Posted July 29, 2008 Report Posted July 29, 2008 Rockets agree to send Jackson, pick, player to Kings for Artest 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." 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.
Bucof2010 Posted July 29, 2008 Report Posted July 29, 2008 Heres a big glimmer of hope for the Rockets.
Guest JoesBros Posted July 30, 2008 Report Posted July 30, 2008 Someone please keep him out of trouble while he's down here! There is no doubt that this trade makes the Rockets a true contender in the West!
shorttexas1 Posted July 30, 2008 Report Posted July 30, 2008 I think the Chuck Wagon is officially buried.... ;D
king Posted July 30, 2008 Report Posted July 30, 2008 This best move yet I Smell a first round championship!!! ;D ;D
Recommended Posts