Rockets should hope Jimmy Butler's agent is being honest with latest trade rumor denial

The Houston Rockets have frequently been linked to Jimmy Butler.

That feels like an understatement. It feels like every other SpaceCityScoop piece is about Butler. Consider it our solemn duty to keep you informed about all Rockets related news.

Lately, those Butler rumors are getting especially hot. Is this a case of fire where there’s sufficient smoke?

Perhaps. Perhaps not. Recently, some water has as thrown on the fire. It came from someone who's particularly close to the source.

Butler’s agent took to social media to suggest there’s no validity in the rumors.

Butler’s agent goes off on NBA insider

I can’t print everything Butler’s agent said. If you’re averse to expletives, you should avoid that link. If small children are present, wait until they leave the room. Suffice is to say, he called the rumors “completely fabricated”.

He also had some choice words for Shams Charnia. Let’s not go there. It's beyond the scope of the site. Charnia remains the most prominent insider around the NBA. In any event, Butler’s agent was denying rumors linking Butler to the Rockets, Warriors and Mavericks.

Hopefully, he was telling the truth.

Rockets don’t need Butler - or his agent

Why should the Rockets give up anything of value for a 35-year-old who’s due for a new contract after this season?

The argument has been rehashed endlessly. There's little more to say. Butler is an excellent player. He’s from the Houston area. That doesn’t mean he’s an appropriate target for this team.

It's also worth noting that the Rockets' success in 2024-25 has largely come from their wing rotation. Butler is a wing. He could play the 2, but even then, replacing Dillon Brooks with Butler feels counterproductive. He's been a staple of this team's revamped culture. Acquiring him only to flip him for an aging star a year later could send a bad message around the league.

If the Rockets make a splashy trade in the near future, it should be for a younger star. Otherwise; their current group is doing fine without Butler.

Let’s hope his agent is blowing smoke.