The Houston Rockets accomplished two things when they dealt Trevor Ariza to the New Orleans Hornets and received Courtney Lee from the New Jersey Nets in last week’s four-team, five-player trade: they saved a bunch of money and added an efficient three-point shooter who’s a better fit for Rick Adelman’s motion offense. But a new report from Gary Washburn of Boston.com indicates it may have made star point guard Aaron Brooks, winner of last year’s Most Improved Player award, happier:
The departure of Ariza may help team chemistry in Houston, as he had a troubled relationship with point guard Aaron Brooks.
It’s tough to say what might have caused that rift, but there’s no reason not to trust Washburn, a veteran reporter with a solid reputation.