3 wings the Houston Rockets can trade for next season

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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 25: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts in the first half during Game Five of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

On Wednesday, Shams Charania reported that Jimmy Butler has requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, so the Wolves can trade him wherever they please.

Jimmy Butler has requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, league sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski. Butler has given Minnesota a list of one-to-three teams with whom he's open to signing extension, in anticipation of trade.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 19, 2018

The Rockets could offer a package including Eric Gordon, P.J. Tucker, Marquese Chriss and a 2019 1st round pick for Butler. Gordon would give Minnesota, the worst 3-point shooting team in the league, some much-needed floor spacing. P.J. Tucker would also give Minnesota more floor spacing if they started him over Taj Gibson and Chriss and the 1st round pick would help the Wolves build their future around Karl Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

Jimmy Butler is one of the league’s premier two-way players. Last season, he averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Butler was also the main reason the Wolves improved from 31 wins in the 2016-17 season to 47 wins last season, helping Minnesota make the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.

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With Houston, Butler’s lockdown defense would likely make the Rockets one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. He’s also great at getting to the foul line and is a great playmaker for a forward. With Butler on the team, the Rockets would have three All-Stars, or even four if Clint Capela continues to improve, on their team next season. Look out Golden State.