J.R. Smith and the Cavaliers have all but officially parted ways as the veteran waits until he is either traded or released. According to longtime NBA insider Marc Stein, J.R. could be getting picked up by the Houston Rockets. On Monday night, Stein tweeted, "The Rockets have expressed exploratory interest in acquiring JR Smith, according to league sources. Smith is currently on hiatus from the Cavaliers as Cleveland seeks a new home for the veteran shooting guard via trade."
News of Houston's interest in Smith comes just a day after rumors of the Lakers eyeing a trade for Trevor Ariza, a player Houston was hopeful to reacquire. Smith isn't quite the defender Ariza was but could add defensive toughness on the perimeter that the Rockets desperately need. Moreover, J.R. can knock down open 3's consistent enough to fit Mike D'Antoni's offensive scheme.
Source: twitter.com
