Trevor Ariza, Darren Collison part of multi-team NBA trade

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Former Laker Trevor Ariza and former UCLA standout Darren Collison were part of a five-player, four-team NBA trade Tuesday.

Ariza, who signed a five-year deal with Houston in 2009, is headed to New Orleans, which sent Collison and forward James Posey to Indiana. The Pacers are sending forward Troy Murphy to New Jersey, which will send Courtney Lee to the Rockets.

After helping the Lakers win an NBA championship in 2009, Ariza had his best statistical year with Houston last season, averaging 14.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 72 games.

Collison, a first-round pick in 2009, was Chris Paul’s backup with the Hornets and the starter when Paul went down with a knee injury. He averaged 12.4 points and 5.7 assists in 76 games last year, including 37 starts. He is expected to be the Pacers’ starting point guard.

-- Chuck Schilken

Left photo: Darren Collison. Credit: Patrick Semansky / Associated Press