Isiah Isn't Returning To Knicks After All

Houston - Taking part in a four-team trade Wednesday the Houston Rockets land a player, in guard Courtney Lee, they've had interest in for two years and receive a $6.3 million trade exception that gives them the flexibility to improve their roster at a later date according to general manager Daryl Morey.

The Rockets have access to the trade exception for one year because it will expire, if it goes unused, after 12 months.

In the deal the Rockets send guard/forward Trevor Ariza to the New Orleans Hornets and get Lee from the New Jersey Nets.

Also the Hornets send guard Darren Collison and forward James Posey to the Indiana Pacers who dealt forward Troy Murphy to the Nets.

"To get something you like you have to give up something," Morey said in a conference call with the media. "I really liked Trevor.

"It wasn't a situation where we were down on Trevor. It was really about we think Courtney's got a big future.

"In terms of his game, only being his third year in the league, we see a path of improvement there as well."

Lee opened his NBA career in Orlando two years ago where he played a significant role in the Magic's run to the NBA finals.

He was traded to New Jersey prior to last season and started 66 of 71 games and averaged 12.5 points a game.

Lee said the emotions he felt when he received the news about being traded to the Rockets were nothing like what he felt when he was traded to the Nets.

"It was a little bit different than when I first got traded to New Jersey," Lee said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. "This time it was a positive reaction. It definitely felt good.

"Just getting the news that I'm going back to a playoff contending team is a great feeling. Like my first year in the NBA, we made it all the way to the finals. (After) being traded I always had that taste in my mouth I need to get back there and I always want to play in that big stage with the bright lights and now I have a chance to do that again."

Ariza told FOX 26 Sports he has already heard from all of the key people in the Hornets organization including point guard Chris Paul.

"It seems like they're very excited about having me," Ariza said. "Chris Paul called me and we talked for about five minutes.

"With me coming in it can help keep him happy. We talked about how much we want to win.

"Chris can only make my game better and I can help him."

Ariza believes his game can blossom in New Orleans.

"I spoke with the coach and general manager and they are excited about me," Ariza said. "They expect me to grow.

"I will be more efficient because I won't draw as much as attention on the offensive end and Chris knows how to get players to score."

Ariza said it's not easy leaving the Rockets.

"It's real tough," Ariza said. "I signed a five-year deal and my expectations were I would be there for five years.

"Being there only one year sucks, but the Rockets did what they had to do."