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Houston Rockets: Timberwolves reject yet another offer for Jimmy Butler

By Brian K. Patterson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 19: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on October 19, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Cavaliers 131-123. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 19: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on October 19, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Cavaliers 131-123. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Houston Rockets are trying their darndest to pry away Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves. What’s the latest offer? Let’s take a look.

The Houston Rockets (4-5) are just about back at .500-level as they begin their ascent back into the Western Conference standings with their eyes set on one of the top spots.  This certainly wasn’t a problem last season in the team’s historic 65-win season but with a lot of new faces on this roster and the team absolutely looking lost on defense without top assistant Jeff Bzdelik, it’s quite understandable they started the way they did.

But you all know that Daryl Morey is never satisfied with the team as the way it is and rightfully so.  There’s always ways to improve and certainly this team can could use a spark to put it over the top.  Unfortunately, for a team that had the Golden State Warriors on the ropes in the Western Conference Finals last season, it has some wondering — including myself — if they’ve taken a step back.

I then come to my senses and just come to the realization that the chemistry just needs to get on point with their new additions and I think they’ll be fine.  We’re already seeing a dose of that at the moment as the team looks to build off their three-game win streak against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a prime time matchup on the road.

But anyway, as the Houston Rockets work on elevating themselves back into the fray, Morey is still at work trying to acquire Jimmy Butler for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

What’s the latest offer?

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Morey has packaged Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss along with the previously proposed four future first-round picks to help get this deal pushed across the finish line.

Charania said that T-Wolves president/head coach Tom Thibodeau balked at the offer because of the uncertainty of the health of both Knight and Chriss moving forward.  Hell, I even question if we’re going to see these guys actually take it to the hardwood in Rockets‘ Red this season.

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But an offer is an offer and Tommy Boy doesn’t likey what he’s seeing.

To be honest, any deal for Butler must include Eric Gordon and I’m prepared to put him on the table along with those four picks along with Brandon Knight if need be.

Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love Gordon as he’s a perfect fit for this team but I think Butler’s defensive prowess gives the latest object of Morey’s affection a push over the edge.

The numbers don’t necessarily reflect my assertion as Butler is still struggling with the idea of still being a part of the T-Wolves and Gordon is just the casualty of the Houston Rockets‘ tumble of defensive level of play in general.

Gordon has a defensive rating of 110.2 which is down from 102.8 in 2017-18 and Butler has also trended in that direction.  He’s currently carrying a 113.0 DR which is down from 105.6 last season.

I think those numbers will start to get better once these guys would settle into their new homes if a potential trade were made but in terms of long-term outlook, Butler is the better player to have because of his ability to score the basketball quickly and precisely, especially behind-the-arc.

I’m hoping a deal gets done but I won’t hold my breath as the T-Wolves are likely going engage with other teams.  Charania reports that Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers are in the conversation once again.

We’ll have to see what happens!

Next. The latest theorem of the Jeff Bzdelik situation. dark

Butler, 29, is averaging 22.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists with a shooting line of.490/.395/.804 through nine games this season.

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