Could the Houston Rockets Show Interest in Jimmy Butler?
Could the Houston Rockets Show Interest in Jimmy Butler?
According to recent intel, competition execs speculate that the Rockets might be interested in snagging Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler should he and Miami decide to split ways. Another team reportedly keen on Butler is the Dallas Mavericks. Being a native Texan certainly adds to Butler's appeal for Houston.
From the Rockets' perspective, bringing in Butler seems rather remote. The Rockets are in a prime position to make a significant move for a top-tier player and have been strongly hinted at aiming for a major acquisition. Houston boasts future draft picks and a host of talented youngsters up for trade. However, the Rockets also have one of the youngest nuclei in the league and are enjoying a remarkable season so far. At present, they top the charts at 15-7, second only to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference. Their starters include Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr., all of whom were drafted as recently as 2021. Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard also contribute from the bench.
Despite the potential benefits, Butler might not align with the Rockets' long-term strategy. Though the Rockets have impressed, a title challenge seems a few years away yet. Butler's addition could indeed close the gap, but the Rockets still need time to mature into a legitimate title challenger.
The trade salaries issue is another hurdle. Butler's current salary stands at $48.79 million, with a player option for the following season and becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026-2027 by which time he will be turning 37. On the Rockets' end, Sengun and Green, with their contract extensions, might be tough to trade before July due to poison pill clauses resulting from the extensions.
Veterans like Fred VanVleet ($42.84 million) and Dillon Brooks ($22.26 million), both earning substantial salaries and critical to the team, may contribute to trade deals. However, trading such crucial players might not align with GM Rafael Stone's approach given the team's impressive run. The Rockets do have expiring contracts for Jeff Green, Jock Landale, and Jae’Sean Tate to aggregate in a trade.
Should any stars contemplate relocating in the near future, watch out for the Rockets. In the case of Butler, though, a deal seems rather unlikely.
The Rockets could potentially use their young talent and future draft picks to make a significant business move in the sports world, aiming to acquire a top-tier player like Jimmy Butler. However, Butler's high sportsmoney salary and contract structure might pose challenges for the Rockets, making a deal less probable.