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Inside The Rockets

Why Rockets Should Trade for Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler could make sense in a trade for the Houston Rockets.
Jeremy Brener|
Dec 16, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles as Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defends in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Dec 16, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles as Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defends in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have long been linked to Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler in trade talks.

Even when Butler was with the Minnesota Timberwolves back in 2018, the Rockets were considered a favorite to land him. Ultimately, Butler was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers and signed with the Miami Heat, where he has led the franchise to a pair of NBA Finals appearances.

However, times are changing and Butler is getting older, leading the Heat to ponder a trade for the aging star. Butler has looked at potential destinations, and the Rockets could be one of those landing spots for him.

"How much do the Houston Rockets want to meddle with a young roster that's off to a 17-8 start to the season? The next two months will certainly give us this answer, as the Rockets may want to add another vet if they want to make any sort of playoff run," Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz writes. "The Rockets made Butler's reported list of potential destinations, and a homecoming would make sense for the Texas native. He fits the hard-nosed culture that head coach Ime Udoka has built."

While trading Butler would disrupt the team's budding chemistry, it might be the one piece the Rockets need to go from "pretender" to "contender" in the Western Conference.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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