- Report: Many throughout Cavs organization are big fans of 2022 NBA draft class
- Damon Jones’ grateful response to LeBron James naming him one of the best shooters he’s ever played with
- Report: Rajon Rondo allegedly threatened to kill his former partner and pulled a gun on her
- Report: J.B. Bickerstaff and Koby Altman have discussed a potential change to the Cavs coaching staff
- Cavs insider indicates Rich Paul is expected to pursue extension in $180M range for Darius Garland
- Dan Gilbert’s confident statement regarding Koby Altman after he misses out on Executive of the Year
- Report: Kyrie Irving wanted LeBron James-like control with Brooklyn Nets
- Here’s how close Cavs exec Koby Altman came to winning Executive of the Year honors
- Darius Garland explains why it hurt so much that the Cavs didn’t make the playoffs this season
- Video: Kyrie Irving lashes out during GTA Twitch stream, calls other players ‘cockroaches’
Report: Cavs and Rockets Discussed Possible J.R. Smith Deal
- Updated: November 23, 2018

Veteran guard J.R. Smith’s time as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers came to an end earlier this week, with his status currently in limbo.
However, one report indicated that over the summer, his name was part of trade discussions that involved then-Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson.
Sam Amico of Amico Hoops cited that trade possibility that ultimately went nowhere, with Anderson eventually being sent elsewhere:
“The Cavs actually discussed a possible Smith trade with the Houston Rockets over the summer, according to sources. But the talks died pretty quickly, and then-Rockets forward Ryan Anderson, who had been discussed as a possible return for the Cavs, has since been traded to the Phoenix Suns.”
Two specific reasons why teams have been reluctant to deal for Smith relate to his age (33) and the fact that he’s due to be paid $14.72 million this season. He’s technically scheduled to make even more ($15.68 million) next year, but the team paying him can release him and would only need to pay him $3.87 for the 2019-20 campaign.
Despite that earlier breakdown in talks between the Cavaliers and Rockets, Amico isn’t completely ruling them out as a potential trading partner for Smith:
“Still, the Rockets might again have an interest if they feel a veteran shooter such as Smith will fit in and help them in reserve come playoff time. They certainly could find the salaries to match, and sources have indicated they would certainly be open to trading point guard Brandon Knight and forward Marquese Chriss (obtained in the Anderson trade).
“Knight and Chriss for Smith works, salary-wise, but it’s doubtful the Rockets would actually go through with it. Those two could undoubtedly be packaged for a better player.”
Earlier this week, the Cavaliers announced that Smith would no longer play for the team. That came after repeated criticism from the veteran about the team’s focus on rebuilding. The final straw came after he accused the team of tanking this season in order to obtain a high draft pick.
The Cavs have until the February trade deadline to get rid of Smith, though no viable possibilities have yet emerged. Right now, the team is still trying to recover from a miserable 2-14 start that’s also been punctuated with injuries to key players. They play a road game on Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login