Rockets rivals could save them from themselves by acquiring Jimmy Butler

The 2024-25 NBA season is just around the corner. Fans of the Houston Rockets are getting excited. Soon, their push to qualify for the playoffs begins.

If you're myopically focused on the upcoming season, we won't blame you. Frankly, we are too. It's hard to think about the future when the present is so exciting.

We hope the Rockets' front office doesn't fall victim to the same trap. They need to be focused on the future. There's no aging MVP candidate on this team. The Rockets should be operating with patience, not urgency.

That's not as true for the Golden State Warriors

Rockets rival running out of time

Steph Curry is near the end of his rope. If the Warriors are going to make another title push, they're going to have to make a move.

That may be why Bleacher Report is linking them to Jimmy Butler. He's a star player who could get them over the hump. You may be asking yourself a question:

What does this have to do with the Rockets?

If you have yet to notice, the Rockets have been linked to Butler several times. If the Warriors snatched him up, it would have substantial implications for the team.

It may be exactly what they need.

Rockets rival could save them from themselves

We think Butler makes sense for the Warriors. We do not think he makes sense for the Rockets.

That's one simple reason why we're rooting for the Warriors to acquire Butler. Sure, it'll make the Rockets' life harder in 2024-25. Let's take a longer view. It will take one star off the market who the Rockets could mistakenly blow their assets on.

That's not the only reason why this could be a blessing in disguise for the Rockets. Let's assume that Houston is at least three years away from contending. If the Warriors acquire Butler, they should be in a weakened position in that same timeframe.

Let's say they move Jonathan Kuminga for Butler. That means the Rockets don't have to deal with Kuminga in his prime. If the Warriors refuse to part with Kuminga, they'll have to give up the draft capital they'll need to get on Houston's level.

This isn't an easy perspective to hold. If Butler joins the Warriors, it will be harder for the Rockets to beat them in 2024-25. It still feels like a boon for Houston in the long run:

And isn't that what really matters?