With both Yao and Mac both out next year it is actually a solid move to swap Ariza and Artest.
The Rockets are doing nothing with Yao and McGrady out next year. Keeping Artest might of made us a ty borderline playoff team with no real hope of winning anything, but whats the point. They made it pretty clear they didnt want him back by only offering a one year deal. Without Artest, we get to develop Brooks, Lowry, Ariza, Landry, Dorsey, maybe Wafer if he is resigned, while most likely picking up a high lottery pick. When 2010 rolls around we will have a solid assortment of depth and good roleplayers once we get some stars back, either through free agency or health.
At this point it makes alot of sense to move Battier and Scola for some solid pieces. A play for Rubio would be ideal moving forward, or perhaps switching to a run and gun system if a McGrady/Stoudamire swap happens.
The Lakers get more firepower for a 3 year window to pair with Gasol and Kobe, but I am interested to see if Artest actually hurts them more than helps.