Butler would be good in Houston, but at what cost?
Not sure how much I agree with this one, but it’s slow season, so almost anything goes. But Bleacher Report recently released a “Dream Trade Target” series for each team and had Jimmy Butler listed as the ideal trade target for the Houston Rockets.
Butler is coming off of a season in which he still averaged 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.3 steals per game on 50 percent from the floor and 41.4 percent from deep — all good numbers. But he’s also 34-years-old and I can’t help but feel this idea is a few years too late. Granted, the Rockets were in no position to land a star two or three years ago like they are now. Houston is simply a more attractive destination now with their young players coming into their own and with coach Ime Udoka aboard.
But here’s the trade offer Bleacher Report suggests: An offer of Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks and the No. 3 overall pick for Butler should at least be worth having for both sides.
For a 34-year-old Butler? Um… no, thanks. Not interested. Butler has maybe one or two more seasons tops performing at this level, and giving up Smith, Thompson and this year’s third is just way too much for the aging star (I’m fine giving up Dillon Brooks). But Butler has a massive $50 million per year deal, so Houston would need to give up multiple pieces to make this work.
BR has had some wild trade ideas in recent days, but this one is definitely up there. I’ll pass.
It’s worth noting that several Rockets were listed as dream targets for other teams. Jabari Smith Jr. is listed for the Portland Trail Blazers and Tari Eason is listed for the Boston Celtics.
Things are obviously looking up in H-town. No need to rush a deal for a superstar until the right one comes a knockin’. If you disgaree, let us know down below!