The Rockets have reached J.R. Smith-level desperation.
Entering Tuesday with the second-worst record in the Western Conference at 11-14, the Rockets are exploring a trade for Smith, The New York Times reported.
The former Knicks guard is currently away from the Cavaliers as both he and the team try to find a new landing spot for him. Smith has made it clear he wants to play for a team trying to win, which he did not believe the Cavaliers were doing.
“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,” he told The Athletic last month. “I think the goal is to develop and lose to get lottery picks. I think that was always the plan.”
The Rockets are certainly trying to win, they just haven’t been able to do it as often as they were expected to. Coming off a season in which they were a win away from reaching the NBA Finals, the Rockets started the year 1-5 and have not gotten much better, losing five of their last seven heading into Tuesday.
Carmelo Anthony is officially still on the roster, but is no longer with the team and is awaiting a trade or his release after playing only 10 games. (Down one volume shooter, they clearly have a need.)
Over the last three years, Smith has averaged 8.2 points per game. He is signed through 2020 and is making $14.7 million this year.