Jimmy Butler has been one of the most talked about players in the NBA throughout the early stages of the 2018-19 season. After requesting a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Houston Rockets have become one of the most likely trade destinations. Despite how much the two teams have talked, it does not appear that a trade is anywhere close to happening.
According to a report from Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Rockets have failed to make progress on a trade for Butler with the Timberwolves.
One small addendum to Jon & Shams’ report: I’m told Houston has made no progress with Minnesota on a Jimmy Butler deal… https://t.co/9ZzLkLtUlD
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) October 31, 2018
Reports have stated that the Rockets have been willing to trade as many as four first-round picks for Butler. If that is true, the Timberwolves will have a hard time turning that down, especially if the trade deadline comes close with him still on the roster.
Houston needs to make some kind of a move. After nearly knocking off the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals last season, they have gotten off to a 1-5 start.
Butler may not be a one move fix for the Rockets, but he would certainly add much-needed defense.
Throughout the first six games of the season in Minnesota, Butler has averaged 22.5 points per game to go along with 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He has shot 50.5 percent from the field overall and knocked down 48.0 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.
There is no question that Butler’s game would fit well with the Rockets’ offense. His defense would give Mike D’Antoni a legitimate wing defender to put on opposing team’s best scorers.
Expect to hear trade rumors pick up surrounding Butler in the near future. He still seems to want out of Minnesota and the Rockets are certainly a team to watch.
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