The Houston Rockets Looking To Sign J.R. Smith [Rumor]

TheSportster

By Thomas Hall

Published Dec 12, 2018

The Houston Rockets are looking to add some more firepower, and they could do that by signing J.R. Smith.

The Houston Rockets are exploring the idea of acquiring shooting guard, J.R. Smith from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Smith has been away from the Cavaliers because he has requested the team trade him to a contender. He last appeared in a game back on Nov. 19, 2018, against the Detroit Pistons. The 33-year-old shot one-for-four from the field while recording two points in 5:52 of playing time.

The Rockets would seem to be a great fit for Smith. With the Cavaliers, Smith was utilized as a clutch three-point shooter. LeBron James would draw all the defenders, which would allow Smith to have open looks on the floor.

This could work the exact same way for the Rockets. Chris Paul and James Harden draw a lot of defenders, as James does. If the Rockets were to acquire Smith, it's likely he would use him as very similar to how he was used with the Cavaliers.

Smith also won't likely cost the Rockets a high price to acquire him. If the Cavaliers are willing to eat some of the money on the remaining two years of his contract, the Rockets would likely accept the deal.

He is making over $14 million this season and is scheduled to make over $15 million next season. The Rockets' payroll is at $135 million, which is already over the luxury tax cap of $123 million, which means the Cavaliers eating some of Smiths' salary will be key for making a trade for him.

Smith would also be a great fit for the Rockets because of his playoff experience. He has been to the NBA Finals in each of the last four seasons. He also has great experience against the defending NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors.

In 2017, Smith shot 50 percent from the three-point line in the NBA Finals against the Warriors. Then in 2016, he shot 43 percent from the three-point-line when his Cavaliers captured the championship against the Warriors.

He would likely slot in the small forward position, sharing time with James Ennis. There's no doubt that Smith would improve the Rockets, and he would be a great threat when facing off against the top teams in the Western Conference.

What This Means

Adding Smith to their roster could be just the spark these Rockets need to boost them to out of the bottom of the standings. They currently sit in second-last in the Western Conference.

Smith would also provide the Rockets an extra shooter, that they have been missing ever since Trevor Ariza left this past off-season. Their bench has been very ineffective for most of the part this season, but Smith could turn that around with his electric shooting off the bench.