Derek Fisher Rumors: Where Will Fisher Land If Houston Rockets Buy Out Contract?
Derek Fisher is now a member of the Houston Rockets, a fact that may end soon with rumors that general manager Daryl Morey will buy out the veteran point guard.
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports that Morey has not mentioned the newly acquired Fisher and may in fact signal the Rockets' intention to buy out the guard.
"Morey will not address Derek Fisher. Expect buyout.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 16, 2012"
Let's get the obvious question out of the way quickly. Derek Fisher cannot rejoin the Lakers if the Rockets do indeed release him.
There is a new rule in effect with this CBA that mandates a player go a full year before coming back to a team. This negates the practice of teams releasing a player knowing full well they could get him back. The rental situations prior to the playoffs are now a thing of the past.
Now we investigate which teams would work for a Derek Fisher that is just hanging out on the open market. This is pure speculation at the moment, as Fisher is still very much a part of the Rockets organization.
L.A. Clippers
The Clippers have been looking for help at the point guard position for months now. Since Chauncey Billups went down, the Clippers have been craving a seasoned vet that could give depth to the backcourt.
They did acquire Nick Young at the trade deadline, which should lessen the burden on Clippers guards.
However, Fisher would give a great deal of playoff experience that L.A. is craving, and he would also get a chance to play back in the Staples Center.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz may have a few guards in their rotation, but none of them seem to be the answer for a team that is trying desperately to get to the playoffs.
Fisher would add depth and give the team a boost with a veteran that knows what it takes to get vital wins in the final couple months.
Orlando Magic
This is a reach but one that makes sense when you consider what a mess the Magic have become in the last few days.
This team needs backcourt bench help but could really use a locker room leader that can get this team moving in the right direction.
Fisher would consider another run with a title contender.
