The Houston Rockets are under the firm belief that they lead the sweepstakes for soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Jimmy Butler, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
The organization can't acquire him as simply as a free agent signing, given their heavily-cluttered roster, but would instead be forced to pursue a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers to get a deal done.
The Sixers are reportedly open to making a deal work and would prefer to recoup the assets lost when initially trading for Butler early in the season in a swap with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite some heavy interest from other teams with room to sign him, like the L.A. Clippers, who have two max slots available and can pair him with fellow two-way superstar Kawhi Leonard — the Rockets are “extremely confident” that they can land his services this offseason.
“The Rockets are extremely confident in landing Butler. Team sources not only believe the Rockets have a good shot to land the Texas native but also that they have a firm place in the lead for him. Should Butler give a clear indication that he wants to join forces with Paul and Harden, Morey would make the necessary moves to land him and present a four-year, $140.6 million contract.”
To make this possible, the Rockets have surveyed the league in hopes to trade Clint Capela, Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker (three of their starters) in hopes to garner the necessary assets to present the Sixers with a sound offer.
Philly still has every intent in keeping Butler, along with Tobias Harris — but should Butler decide he no longer wants to be part of the organization, they will arrange a potential trade to Houston.
The Rockets have lusted after Butler for a full season now, offering the Timberwolves four first-round picks at some point last season, hoping to wow the front office in what was a failed attempt.
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