Rockets Rumors: Conflicting reports creating confusion

Like any other rumor, NBA rumors aren't to be trusted. Whatever you've heard about the Houston Rockets, take it with a grain of salt.

Some fans are feeling particularly salty at the moment. Depending on your preferences, that could be for several reasons. If you want the Rockets to trade for a star, one report is raining on your parade. If you think they should stay the course, keep their assets, and develop their young players, a different report may be getting your goat.

Unless Jimmy Butler is your GOAT, that is.

Rockets linked to Jimmy Butler - again

New around here?

Let's recap. Everyone and their mother is linking the Rockets to Jimmy Butler. The rumors are relentless. A new report has "rival GMs" identifying the Rockets as a team to watch in the Butler sweepstakes.

Rival GMs. They sure do have loose lips, don't they?

Fans shouldn't put much stock in these reports. Sure, it's always worth looking for fire where there's so much smoke. Still, this feels more like speculation. People may be connecting the dots. Butler is a Houstonian, he feels like an Ime Udoka player, and the Rockets seem eager to return to the postseason.

None of which justifies a young team like the Rockets forking over assets for an aging 35-year-old. This could also be a case of the Heat producing misinformation to generate a market for Butler. If the Rockets want him, then conceivably, other teams should want him too, right? It behooves the Heat to create some competition for Butler's services.

A different report suggests that the Rockets won't be in the mix for Butler at all.

Rockets said to be patient

This report indicates that the Rockets don't intend to make any major trades in 2024-25.

That feels like the sensible stance. The Rockets don't know precisely what they have with this roster. Questions about the fit between the newly-extended Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green persist. The Rockets should get more data on how each fares in lineups without the other before they decide which of the two they're building around.

They should also explore the dynamic between the duo when sharing the floor more thoroughly. In simple terms, it isn't time for the Rockets to move assets. If they trade for Butler now, it will likely cost them one of their young players and an unprotected first-round pick. The Rockets will regret moving those assets in a couple of seasons when a younger superstar who fits with their roster becomes available, and their offer is a young player and a pick short of competitive. Luckily, this recent report indicates that the front office would concur:

Although, you should take that with a grain of salt.