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Rockets rumors: Houston is making a ‘strong effort’ to land Jimmy Butler

By Tevin Williams

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 15: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during Game One of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 15, 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)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 15: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during Game One of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 15, 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) /
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The Houston Rockets are reportedly still making a ‘strong effort’ to acquire Jimmy Butler, even after earlier reports said that Minnesota’s price for Butler is high.

After The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski reported last week that Jimmy Butler wanted out of Minnesota, many NBA teams, including the Rockets, are scrambling to put together a trade package that would work for both sides.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Minnesota’s asking price for Butler is too high for the interested teams, as of Thursday. But that isn’t slowing down Daryl Morey.

According to Fox 26 Sports’ Mark Berman, the Rockets are making a ‘strong effort’ to land Jimmy Butler. This report comes just two days after Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted that the Rockets are trying to be ‘creative’ in their pursuit of Jimmy Butler.

NBA sources confirm the #Rockets are making a strong effort to land Jimmy Butler in a trade with Minnesota.

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 28, 2018

The Rockets are already $32 million over the salary cap and they have a lot of money invested into James Harden, Chris Paul and Clint Capela. Houston’s most enticing assets for a trade include Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker along with first-round draft picks.

Although, it’s not clear if that would be enough to cause the Wolves to pull the trigger on a deal. According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the Wolves told Philadelphia that Ben Simmons would need to be included in a trade for Jimmy Butler. Obviously, Philly isn’t going to trade away half of their future for a potential one-year rental.

It’s easy to see why most teams think Minnesota’s asking price for Butler is way too steep. Yes, he’s probably a top 12 or so player, but GM’s aren’t going to give up too much unless Butler commits to re-signing with them next summer. It makes you wonder how serious the Wolves are about dealing Butler.

Next. Eric Gordon will likely not be signing an extension

For Houston, it would be great if they could trade away perhaps Gordon and Nene plus additional assets instead of Gordon and Tucker with additional assets. After Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute departed over the summer, Houston lost two key role players. If the Rockets could hold on to at least Tucker in a Butler deal then they could really come out ahead. A starting lineup featuring Paul, Harden, Butler, Tucker and Capela with Carmelo Anthony as a sixth man is better than Houston’s rotation last year when they set a franchise record with 65 wins.