The Rockets didn't trade for Derek Fisher to use his scrappy defense, locker room leadership and occasional big 3-pointers. They traded for him so they could cut him, as strange as it sounds.
That, according to NBA.com: "Rockets will buy out Derek Fisher, declare the future is in front of them."
To further that, Fisher did not report to the Rockets Saturday, according to various reports.
The Rockets already have a very capable backup point guard in Goran Dragic, who will handle starting duties for the time being while Kyle Lowry recovers from a bacterial infection. In the meantime, according to the Houston Chronicle, the Rockets could bring in veteran Mike James for a short stint.
The Lakers wanted to move Fisher out for a number of reasons, one being that he's not that good anymore and another being that the locker room needed a new voice. They essentially gave Houston a first round pick to take him.
Fisher is set to make $3.4 million on a player option next season, which he almost assuredly would've picked up. Once he's bought out, he'll be a free agent that will likely look to hitch his wagon to a contending team. Maybe the Heat, maybe the Thunder, maybe the Spurs, who are in need of a backup after losing T.J. Ford. Options abound for Fisher and with his veteran leadership and steady play, a team is going to certainly bring him in.
Rockets to buy out Derek Fisher
The Rockets didn't trade for Derek Fisher to use his scrappy defense, locker room leadership and occasional big 3-pointers. They traded for him so they could cut him, as strange as it sounds.
By
Royce Young
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1 min read