The Houston Rockets, a team that had the best record in the NBA last season, are currently sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference with a 11-14 record. The only team in the conference with a worse mark is the Phoenix Suns at 4-23.
The season is still young, but the Rockets are looking to change things up in a hurry.
Enter: J.R. Smith. Maybe.
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As noted by The New York Times' Marc Stein, the Rockets are interested in bringing Smith on board. The 33-year old guard has appeared in just 11 games this season and his averaging a career-low 6.7 points in a little over 20 minutes of action per night. He's clearly on his way out of Cleveland, it just remains to be seen which team provides the Cavs with the best offer.
Cleveland released the following statement regarding Smith on November 20: "The Cleveland Cavaliers announced today that JR Smith will no longer be with the team as the organization works with JR and his representation regarding his future. The organization wishes JR and his family well and appreciates and thanks him for his contributions to the community, to the team and his role in the 2016 NBA Championship."
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According to The Athletic's Jason Lloyd, Smith expressed a desire to play elsewhere since the Cavs aren't focused on winning. "I don't think the goal is to win. The goal isn't to go out there and try to get as many wins as you can. I think the goal is to develop and lose to get lottery picks. I think that was always the plan."
Like the Rockets, the Cavs are sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, though their record is much worse at 6-21.
