Grade the Trade: Rockets abandon Jalen Green for star forward in new proposal

Some players are irreversibly linked to the Houston Rockets. Sometimes, they've never even played a game in a Rockets uniform.

Take Jimmy Butler. He's a certified H-Town legend. The prodigal son was supposed to return to join James Harden and Chris Paul in leading the Rockets to an NBA title.

The prophecy was unfulfilled. Butler never made his way to the Rockets. Yet, that hasn't stopped people from finding ways to send him to Houston - even at the age of 34.

USA Today's The Wright Sports Network are still holding hope. They just released a proposal that would have Butler heading to the Rockets.

It would cost them Jalen Green.

Rockets abandon Green in win-now pursuit

Let's look at the details.

There are countless angles to approach a trade proposal. Is the market value fair? Does the deal make sense for both sides?

In this case, the market value is fair. Even at his advanced age, Butler is worth roughly Jalen Green and an unprotected first. Green has untapped potential, but it's fair to say that he's fallen short of expectations thus far. He's a distressed asset. If the Rockets wanted an in-prime superstar, it would cost them considerably more than this.

Does that mean the deal makes sense?

Rockets should avoid aging stars like Butler

It certainly makes sense from Miami's perspective. Sure, they made a title run recently. After advancing to the playoffs through the play-in tournament, they should put limited stock in that run. This is a team on the periphery of the postseason. The Heat could justify rebuilding.

We're just not so sure it makes sense for the Rockets. Suppose they did this deal. Next year, they'd likely trot out a starting lineup featuring Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Butler, Reed Sheppard, and Fred VanVleet. That lineup isn't approaching an NBA title, and Butler isn't getting any younger.

Did you notice a conspicuous absence? Us too. Unfortunately, it'll be tough to work Amen Thompson into the starting lineup with Butler in town. Acquiring him presents the talented young guard/wing with another roadblock.

It also thrusts Sheppard into a role he's not ready for. What else can the Rockets do? A star duo of Sengun and Butler will need floor spacing. Houston could start Aaron Holiday over Sheppard.

How much sense does a win-now trade make if it forces Aaron Holiday into your starting lineup?

Sure, the Rockets could go a bridge further. They could trade more players for Butler's new co-star. Trading for Robin doesn't make sense until Batman is on your roster. If Giannis Antetokoumnpo shakes loose, perhaps the Rockets could trade whatever is leftover for Butler after acquiring Antetokoumnpo.

For the time being, acquiring Butler doesn't make sense. Still, we'll give USA Today this - this is a reasonable trade proposal. It just isn't our preference:

But it's still better than the last Butler deal we discussed.

Grade: B