Report: Rockets Offered Timberwolves Four First-Round Picks for Jimmy Butler
The Rockets are reengaging the Timberwolves in trade talks involving Jimmy Butler and offered four first-round picks in their most recent attempt to land the four-time All-Star, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com reports.
After asking for a trade out of Minnesota in September, Butler's name has been linked to a fair amount of teams, but no real traction has been made yet by any organization although offers are still coming in.
Earlier this month Heat president Pat Riley told his team he was "pulling the plug" on discussions with the Timberwolves. Butler and owner Glen Taylor have stated he is committed to Minnesota while he is still there, but Taylor has told Butler he will be traded when there is a good enough offer, according to Wojnarowski.
Conversations about the other players who would be involved in the deal have remained fluid. Coach Tom Thibodeau wants to get back players who could help the Timberwolves remain in playoff contention while Taylor is more concerned about the draft picks.
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Through four games this season Butler is averaging 24.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.8 steals.
The Rockets are 1-3 and welcome the Clippers to Houston on Friday. If they are able to acquire Butler, they plan on trying to re-sign him to a long-term deal this offseason when he will likely become an unrestricted free agent.
