"Two players who didn't seem like they were going to be available to the Cavaliers ended up in the team's crosshairs at the end of day one of the NBA free-agency period.

According to several league sources, the Cavs are attempting to land Houston Rockets free-agent forward Ron Artest, and the pitch included a meeting with LeBron James on Tuesday night in Los Angeles as both were in Southern California for various events.

In addition, a league source indicated the team is trying to attract Los Angeles Lakers swingman Trevor Ariza, who appears to be disgruntled with the Lakers' early attempts to re-sign him.

Ariza's agent, David Lee, told the Riverside, Calif., Press-Enterprise Wednesday, "I think I'm being optimistic when I say it's not going anywhere." He added that Ariza might be ready to sign elsewhere.

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 with their midlevel exception. Artest made $7.4 million last season, Ariza $3.1 million.

Artest is believed to prefer to play for a championship contender and is thought to be considering the Lakers and Celtics in addition to the Cavs. With the Rockets facing the uncertain injury status of stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, it is unclear how hard they will try to push to re-sign Artest.

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. The Cavs, however, have said they want to re-sign Varejao.

Artest, 29, played for Mike Brown when he was the associate head coach of the Indiana Pacers from 2003 to '05. He is the type of forward the Cavs would be interested in, as he has the ability to stretch the floor with range out to the 3-point line."