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Cavaliers showing interest in Artest, Ariza

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Ron Artest met with LeBron James in Los Angeles as part of the Cavs' recruiting process.
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NBCSports.com news services
updated 11:24 a.m. ET July 2, 2009

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly are trying to sign free agents Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza.

The recruitment of Artest included a meeting with LeBron James on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, the Plain Dealer reported. ESPN reported Ariza had been in contact with the Cavs coaching staff.

Both players are unrestricted free agents and are being courted by several teams. Without a sign-and-trade deal, the most the Cavs could sign a player to is a salary starting at around $5.6 million. Artest made $7.4 million last season with Houston, Ariza $3.1 million with the Lakers.

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The Rockets have had interest in Cavs free agent Anderson Varejao in the past, which opens up some possibilities of a sign-and-trade scenario, according to the report. 

Ariza, 24, averaged 11.2 points and shot 47 percent from 3-point range during the Lakers' 23-game playoff run.

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