A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets have reached a multiyear deal with 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.

The Scoop: 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.

Thu, Jul 2 9:54 PST

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Thu, Jul 2 9:16 PST

Artest is joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. David Bauman, Artest's agent, told The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets forward has verbally agreed to play for the NBA champions next season. Bauman said the final details are still being worked out, but could be finished as early as Thursday night.

The Scoop: ESPN.com reported that Artest had agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million. Bauman would not confirm those numbers, saying the deal was still being negotiated.

Thu, Jul 2 8:48 PST

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A day after jumping to the Pistons, Gordon says the Bulls never made a contract offer even though general manager Gar Forman said re-signing him was the No. 1 priority.

The Scoop: Gordon told EPSN Radio 1000 in Chicago on Thursday that the Bulls made no effort to bring him back. Gordon agreed to a five-year deal worth at least $50 million with the Pistons after leading the Bulls in scoring the past four seasons. Forman declined comment on Thursday.

Thu, Jul 2 4:16 PST

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