HOUSTON (July 2, 2009)--A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets have reached a multiyear deal with free agent Trevor Ariza.

The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because NBA
rules prohibit announcing free-agent deals until next week, said
the Rockets offered Ariza the full mid-level exception for the
first year, about $5.6 million.

Ariza is coming to Houston just as Ron Artest decided to leave
and play for the Lakers. Ariza is likely to take Artest's spot in
the Rockets' starting lineup.

The 6-foot-8 Ariza averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8
assists for the Lakers last season, which ended with the NBA
championship.