Houston Rockets: Gordon would be included with fewer picks in Butler trade

The Houston Rockets have been in the middle of trade talks since the end of the offseason regarding All-Star Jimmy Butler. Can they secure him without giving up too much?

The Houston Rockets are trying to improve to take down the Golden State Warriors. One way that they can do that is by adding another All-Star, Jimmy Butler. The Rockets have been rumored to be offering up to four first-round picks to the Timberwolves in a potential deal. They are looking to do this, preferably, without giving away any significant role players.

However, to get someone as good as Butler, you have to give something in return. Eric Gordon, the former Sixth Man of the Year, might have to be included in that deal. Some people are still thinking this means EG and the four first rounders, though. This is not the case.

Yesterday, our own Tevin Williams wrote about why the Rockets should only include 2-3 first rounders if Eric Gordon is a part of the trade. Today, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN said similar things in a podcast with Zach Lowe.

Lowe Post podcast: @wojespn on Ty Lue's firing, what's next for the Cavs, Kevin Love's trade value, the reeling Wizards, Jimmy Butler talks, much more: https://t.co/Q1QDoW0m6t

— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) October 29, 2018

Only 2-3 first rounders

Woj talks about the trade deal, in particular, saying that the Rockets would only be giving up 2-3 first-round picks if Eric Gordon is included in a deal as opposed to another player like Brandon Knight, who’d likely garner the four first rounders.

Woj didn’t directly say those names, but instead, he said that it’s 2-3 picks if someone who the Wolves would actually want is included. Zach Lowe did, though, name names. You can check out the full podcast here up above!

This would be a wise move by the Rockets. Four first rounders is a ton of picks, especially if a player like Eric Gordon is included as well. If EG has to go, let’s hope all the picks don’t have to as well. My ideal trade at this point, should the Wolves need Gordon, would look something like this:

Eric Gordon, Marquese Chriss, 2019 and 2021 first rounders

You never know what Morey has up his sleeve though, so we’ll have to see how this all plays out! Let’s hope it’s resolved sooner rather than later, so the team would have more time to gel together and get back on track after this 1-4 start to the season. Butler’s defensive and offensive talents are very much needed right now, so he would be a huge help to the Rockets if he is traded here.