Rockets rumors: Team could get involved in Jimmy Butler trade talks

At this point in the offseason, news about a disgruntled star is what the NBA world needed. The Houston Rockets might be in on that, too.

Yesterday, I wrote about how the idea of the Houston Rockets trading for Jimmy Butler, while it sounds fun and good, is likely unrealistic. However, I also noted that Daryl Morey is a magician and could possibly work something out if given the right circumstances.

Zach Lowe pretty much reaffirmed me in those beliefs today as he wrote a piece on potential Jimmy Butler trade locations. Near the end of the list, he noted that Houston could find its way into the mix.

For the full piece on ESPN.com, be sure to click here.

What Houston can offer

He said that a combination of Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker along with an unprotected first round pick is what the Rockets could offer. This is similar to what I said yesterday and what the general Rockets community seems to think is an acceptable offer based on the limited assets the team has.

Another deal Lowe talked about involved waiting a little bit until October 31 and offering Marquese Chriss in the trade. That is the earliest that Chriss can be involved in a trade with other players. That certainly sweetens the pot, but would the Timberwolves be willing to accept that?

Lowe says that those deals could be done to avoid letting Butler go for nothing at all. If other teams seem unwilling to give up big assets for Jimmy, the offer from Houston may be enough to entice Minnesota. Let’s certainly hope that’s the case because adding Jimmy Butler to this already-stacked squad would certainly make a series against the Warriors quite a bit more interesting.

We’ll conclude with the best line from Lowe’s piece:

“I’m telling you: We are going to hear from Houston before this is over.”

Houston always finds a way into these kinds of trade talks, don’t they?