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Rumored trade with Miami could be very beneficial for Rockets

By Quintin Peltier

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 1: Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat and James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat look on during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 7, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 1: Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat and James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat look on during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 7, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Houston Rockets are reportedly interested in trading for either James Johnson or Tyler Johnson of the Miami Heat.

According to Sam Amick, the Houston Rockets are reportedly interested in pursuing a trade with Miami.

Now…a possible Rockets deal sending Ryan Anderson to Miami for James Johnson or Tyler Johnson, or someone else the Houston brass thinks can help? That’s definitely something they’d have interest in (no specific position targeted). But Bazemore isn’t part of their discussions.

— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) August 8, 2018

Acquiring either James Johnson or Tyler Johnson while also getting rid of Ryan Anderson‘s contract would be great for the Rockets. Although, James Johnson seems like the best fit for Houston’s current needs. They would most likely have to give up a pick, but acquiring James Johnson would more than help beef up their bench after the loss of Luc Mbah a Moute.

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James Johnson would bring strong-minded defensive versatility that many have compared to the likes of Draymond Green. The incredible defensive potential of a front court lineup of P.J. Tucker, James Johnson and Clint Capela could spell disaster for many teams.

While his fit on offense seems questionable, he may fit in seamlessly in a change of enviroment. In Houston, if you can shoot then you can very well fit into the offense. According to NBA.com, James Johnson shot 33.6 percent on catch and shoot three-pointer and 35.3 percent on wide open attempts from distance.

In comparison, Trevor Ariza shot 39.9 percent on catch and shoot three-pointers and 41.7 percent on wide open three-pointers. The playmaking skills of Chris Paul and James Harden were able to turn P.J. Tucker into a deadly corner shooter, so it’s hard to envision a scenario where Johnson wouldn’t fit in.

In line ups that would possibly involve Carmelo Anthony and James Johnson, Johnson could make up for the defensive mistakes on Anthony’s part. While he is not a one man wrecking crew on defense, he tends to play very solid defense on switches against all positions. In the Houston Rockets’ clear goal to dethrone the Golden State Warriors as the best team in the West, James Johnson could play a pivotal role guarding Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.

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While it could take some time to fit him into the system, it would be a great trade for the Rockets to both acquire a solid player and get rid of a large contract.

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