Rockets’ Retool: 5 players that Houston should pursue in Free Agency

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HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 8 : Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets on March 8, 2019 at the Toyota Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jimmy Butler

On Tuesday afternoon, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Houston will try to recruit Jimmy Butler as soon as they are able to on Sunday afternoon.

“The Rockets are planning to push the Philadelphia 76ers for a sign-and-trade deal that would allow the All-Star forward to join James Harden and Chris Paul in Houston.”

According to Wojnarowski’s report, Houston will have to wait until Sunday afternoon which would mean that Jimmy Butler will likely opt-out of his player option, which will make him an unrestricted free agent.

In any trade scenario, Houston would likely have to involve a third team as Clint Capela would likely be involved and Philadelphia already has Joel Embiid on their roster.

Related Story. Rockets will pursue sign-and-trade deal for Jimmy Butler

The Houston-raised Butler would be a fascinating fit alongside James Harden and Chris Paul. The four-time All-Star is a career 34.1% from behind the three-point line but is better known for his ability to attack the basket and create his own shot.

Butler has averaged 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists for his career.

While Houston has been criticized for relying too much on James Harden’s iso-ball, Jimmy Butler would provide yet another weapon for the Rockets to use in a now wide-open Western Conference.

A big reason why the Rockets relied heavily on Harden’s iso ball was because of the injuries that plagued the entire roster. The biggest injury was to Paul, who was supposed to alleviate Harden’s playmaking duties. Once the Rockets adjusted to having all of their offense be initiated by Harden, it was difficult to do a complete 180-degree turn in the playoffs.

Having Butler would provide three consistent playmakers on the team, and would make it less likely for Harden to have to resort to total ball domination even if Houston were to suffer injuries like in the 2018-19 season.

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