Houston Rockets Rumors: Time to gamble and reignite Jimmy Butler talks

The Houston Rockets were very much in on Jimmy Butler prior to the start of the season. Now that things are souring in Philly, it’s time to reignite talks.

The Houston Rockets were earnestly trying to make a splash move to start the season by acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves after he requested to be traded. The Rockets offered up a lot for him, including four first-round picks.

However, the Timberwolves ultimately ended up deciding to accept a package from the 76ers that including Robert Covington, Jerryd Bayless, and Dario Saric. The trade didn’t exactly work out for the Timberwolves and Tom Thibodeau was fired not too long ago.

The Sixers and Butler have had some success together. They’re above .500 by 12 games and currently sit in 4th place in the Eastern Conference. But, it doesn’t seem that that success has made things all love in the City of Brotherly Love. Butler is not satisfied with his role in Philly nor with head coach Brett Brown.

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So, this has forced many people to begin to speculate that Butler’s time in Philly may be running out already. Things don’t run through Butler in Philly and he is still surrounded by young players who Butler may perceive as not serious enough, just as he did in Minnesota with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. So, it may, indeed, be time for Butler to, once again, find a new home.

The Houston Rockets, led by Daryl Morey, would likely be in on any trade conversation involving Butler. In fact, one team has already called to check in on Butler and there is speculation that team was the Rockets, though nothing has been proven.

The Rockets, still, definitely need to add help on the wings for both offensive and defensive purposes. Butler would, without a doubt, provide great help on both ends of the court. His offensive game has continued its ascension and he is currently knocking down triples at a career-high 39% while also maintaining his elite defensive metrics.

Now, there is also speculation that Butler may never have a true home with other alphas and stars. With the Houston Rockets, he would never be the biggest alpha or biggest star but there is still plenty of reason to assume that Butler could find a home in Houston alongside James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela.

Butler would have a much bigger role in Houston than he does in Philadelphia. He is currently playing under 32 minutes a contest which is, far and away, his lowest total since 2012. In Houston, he would immediately jump to astronomical minutes alongside Harden, for better or worse.

Butler would likely be option 2b with Paul being 2a behind Harden. Butler would also likely get far more open looks with the Houston Rockets than he does with the Sixers. The Rockets provide greater and different offensive threats than the Sixers do and with Bulter’s continued improvements on the offensive side of the ball he should fit in with Houston just fine.

Adding Butler would not come without risks, especially since his addition would only be guaranteed for the rest of the year (if opts out which is likely). However, adding Butler to this hot team could catapult the Houston Rockets to the top of a weaker Western Conference. He could be a catalyst that could help the team bring the city it’s first NBA crown in 15 years.

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Butler still won’t come cheap but the Sixers may be more willing to take on some of the Rockets players than the Timberwolves were months ago. Eric Gordon will have to be involved with the deal. The Sixers could use a shooter like him to space the floor for Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, plus his money makes the deal work as well.

On top of Gordon, the Houston Rockets could look to throw in Carmelo Anthony and Marquese Chriss. Melo could want to play for Philly and if not they can cut him. Chriss could potentially get minutes there and if not, he can just ride out the season and leave in the offseason. If they don’t want Chriss, the Rockets could also potentially throw in James Ennis or maybe Nene to help make the money work. These would likely have to be coupled with a first round pick or two.

Regardless, this deal would be worth it if it helps the Houston Rockets continue to climb the ladder to the top of the Western Conference. It would be worth it if the team can make another push to the Finals in a year when the majority of the league is also struggling. The price is high but so is the reward.

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This season, Butler is averaging 19.2 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2 steals per game. He would, without a doubt, be able to at least continue those numbers with the Houston Rockets, if not eclipse them.

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