Zach Lowe: Rockets inquired about JR Smith, also talked to the Heat

So, both say NO.

 

I really doubt Miami would entertain an offer with us. Morey has to try and probably did give them a call, but Miami probably didn’t listen. I don’t doubt they are trying to unload some of these players but wouldn’t get much out of it if they take back Ryno and a really late 1st round pick. Morey has already come out and said they’re going for the number 1 seed again so everyone knows our pick will be close to last in the first round. Almost better off with a top 2nd round pick no?

 

We'll see. Miami's strategy is to reduce the player logjam on the roster, reduce the cap number this year for LT purposes and perhaps get off "long term" money. James Johnson and Dion Waiters have long term money. The Anderson package saves them 5M this year. And saves them a ton of money on Johnson's and Waiters' 3rd year. These are key points.

Apparently, Morey is willing to "take on" long term salary. Not many teams are willing to do that. This is the "zig when other people zag" theory. Most teams DONT want long term salary. They want to CUT the years to get back out on the market in 2019, 2020. But the Rockets ARE NOT going to be an under the cap team. So they have the luxury of looking for salaries that RUN for THREE years.

So, to say that there are better offers for Miami out there that satisfies their goals.....perhaps, but perhaps not considering the goals of other teams might not match up with Miami's.

Morey willing to "zig" while others are "zagging" could offer him opportunities.

 

Yeppers.

Operative point IMO is 'we' don't know what DM the GM's algorithms say; just what the specific goal(s) over the next few (pre-camp) weeks or even the longer, say Feb's deadline, is merely a pure guess.

Frankly, DM the GM's track record means I trust in the Rox' process.

 

Glad this was addressed. From a salary POV, moving Tyler Johnson for Ryan Anderson doesn't make sense for Miami or solve their money issue. It helps the Rockets get a "playable" player for an "unplayable" player. It only helps the Rockets.

James Johnson and Dion Waiters EACH have THREE years on their current deals. As opposed to Anderson's TWO years. So like the author said, if Miami could "offload more salary that would be a different story." Getting off more salary THIS season (25M vs 20M) AND off a FULL YEAR of each...could solve an issue for Miami.

Couple that savings, with Miami having a belief that Winslow can take over James Johnson's role...and James Johnson and Dion Waiters become expendable.

 

Dion waiters and James Johnson have three years left on there contract each. While decent role players it’s not doing anything for Miami and it holds them back to acquire a big name FA.

You give Anderson’s 2 years plus mia creates just a bit more cap space in the meantime and one year less

Anderson + Zhou or other player + 1st rounder + 2nd rounder

Waiters is a good scorer and insurance for any of our guards, James Johnson isn’t the greatest three guy but his defense is good and can play back up PF if needed

 

Receiving pucks, not giving. If at all.

 

PJ Tucker is very durable and that is a very good thing. BUT, if he got injured, there is NO ONE that can replace him on this team right now. Last year you had Moute and Ariza. This year? I suppose Ennis in a pinch.

Getting James Johnson gets you some Tucker insurance that this team just doesn't have. It would be nice. He is too important to the defensive identity of the team.

 

This........was a great and educated response. While I am pessimistic that Ryno could turn into players currently quite playable for other teams, after reading that I don’t think it’s impossible.

Respek

 

Heat also really like James Johnson and feeling is mutual.

 

Waiters is, as you described him, but there is no room for him to fit in Houston. The only reason why his name is in trade talks is because of the Heat's cap problems, and his surgically repaired ankle. His contract isn't bad 3 yrs around 36 M. The Heat like James Johnson. Having a slightly above average overall player on 3yrs 45 M is good for them. That's why DM's efforts to offer the Heat cap relief haven't been successful. I'm sure they want a big name FA, but they don't want poor production on 41 M for 2 yrs from RA too.

 

Yeah I get it, don’t get me wrong it’s not gonna be a cake walk. I think the added picks help along with a young player like zhou. Ideally Heat would really have to be in complete rebuild mode to be open, some picks and a 2 year exit of free cap space might be inticing but not exciting for them

Waiters your right doesn’t fit in as a rotational piece considering MDA is on a strict 6 man rotation lmao. But our guard situation isn’t very strong and if one guy goes down we don’t have a replacement

 

I agree about our guard situation. Our Rockets need a guard who can pass and shoot, and at least be an average defender. Chris needs help. Harden has got Eric to help him out.

 

Yep, We have green but he’s not versatile or consistent but still a good energy guy but by no means a replacement

But same goes with all three of our guards Gordon, harden and Paul. Sure gordon is a replacement for harden or Paul but then your still missing that extra scoring and bench presence. As we saw in the WCF

 

No for JR. Sucks