NBA Trade Rumors: JR Smith Could Be Missing Link For Rockets

J.R. Smith continues to wait for his next stop, with the Cleveland Cavaliers still in search of a willing trade partner. The 33-year-old player's career is temporarily on hold after going public and criticizing his current team for tanking.

Smith's next stop is anyone's guess, with most left pondering on scenarios for the veteran swingman. The first team that most would single out are the Los Angeles Lakers, linking the temperamental NBA veteran to LeBron James, Clutch Points reported. Smith's perimeter shooting should benefit the Lakers, and there is some chemistry between the two considering they played alongside each other for about three years.

If not the Lakers, another team that could put Smith to good use would be the Houston Rockets. Smith could play either the guard or forward position, giving head coach Mike D' Antoni the flexibility in terms of the scoring and the defensive ends. However, one thing the Rockets will have to monitor is his focus, seeing how he sometimes loses track of what he is supposed to do on the floor. This dates all the way back to the 2017-18 NBA Finals, USA Today reported.

Should the Rockets consider Smith, they will need to find someone to offload. In terms of salary, the feasible player Houston could give up is Brandon Knight. Smith is set to earn $14.7 million this season, nearly similar to Knight who will be owed $14.6 million. To sweeten the pot, the Rockets could also throw in a future draft pick.

Curiously, this comes at a time when the Rockets recently cleared a roster spot. According to the Houston Chronicle, they waived Danuel House last Tuesday and that spot could be used to facilitate a trade. The report further added that the team is looking to seal a deal this week. Could this involve Smith?

Aside from Knight, another player the Rockets are reportedly offering for trade is Marquese Chriss. Both were acquired via trade with the Phoenix Suns.

Another player that the Rockets need to officially waive is Carmelo Anthony. Like Smith, the high-scoring forward is expected to be given his release soon. Most know about how things didn't really hit off well between Melo and the Rockets, curiously a scenario that could happen with Smith.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has been known to be a risk-taker, meaning Houston could see if Smith still has game or blend in with James Harden, Chris Paul and the rest.