After the Houston Rockets and guard Derek Fisher agreed on a buyout following the trade between Houston and the L.A. Lakers, there have been plenty of rumors swirling as the guard’s options are beginning to become a bit more clear.
There were rumors that Fisher might consider retirement, but his agent quickly put those ideas to rest. Once the buyout is official, Fisher will be free to sign with any team he wants. Other than the Lakers, of course.
In the past that wasn’t a problem, as players would regularly be traded, bought out, and re-signed to their original team. However, due to an agreement in the new collective bargaining agreement, players cannot go back to their old team in the same season.
This leaves Fisher left to choose between the other teams in the league that may require the services of a veteran point guard. Several of the teams reportedly interested in Fisher are teams looking to make deep post-season runs this year.
According to Matt Brooks of the Washington Post, Fisher could end up in Chicago, Miami or Oklahoma City. All three teams are expected to reach the conference finals, and could use Fisher’s leadership.
For his part, Fisher is said to be interested in joining the Chicago Bulls or Miami Heat. Injuries have been an issue all season for MVP Derrick Rose, and adding a durable, experienced point guard would give the Eastern Conference’s top team more time to ease their star back into the lineup.
The Thunder could also use Fisher, as backup guard Eric Maynor was lost to a season-ending knee injury. Plus, Fisher is accustomed to playing with other star players, so that isn’t something a team would have to worry about.
Wherever Fisher ends up, it will be strange not seeing him in a Lakers uniform.