Another Jimmy Butler rumor has surfaced, this time involving the Houston Rockets. However, the Timberwolves do not plan on trading Butler for now, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
Still no indication wolves are close to saying yes to any offers. Things can change quickly, of course. But wolves have been holding firm and that hasn’t changed
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 25, 2018
A report by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN stated the Rockets are making a “renewed bid” in trying to acquire Butler.
Story posting soon: The Houston Rockets are making a renewed bid to acquire Minnesota All-Star Jimmy Butler, including four future first-round draft picks in their most recent trade offer, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 25, 2018
The Rockets offering four first round picks for a player who could be a rental player is pretty interesting. And yes, the Rockets are allowed to trade four first round picks to the Timberwolves thanks to a rule. Here is Bobby Marks of ESPN explaining this.
7-year rule allows a team to trade up to 4 picks between 2019 to 2025. The first has to alternate each year (19, 21, 23 and 25) and cannot have protection unless the pick does not rollover to the following season. Ex: Protected top 14 and doesn’t convey if HOU is in the lottery.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) October 25, 2018
It is not known on what players from Houston who would be involved in the trade. However, it is interesting to hear Minnesota is still intent on not trading Butler to Houston, even if they are offering four first round picks.
If this rumored offer is true, the Timberwolves should think twice about their stance on not trading Butler. Four first round picks could certainly help fast track a rebuild for them. Who knows what a Rockets team in 2023 could look like. It could look like a team who is in the bottom five of the league in the standings.
Things could certainly change quickly if Minnesota gets the players from Houston they like.
It is also possible that Minnesota does not want to trade Butler to a Western Conference team.
It will be interesting to see if the Timberwolves changes their stance on a Butler trade. Things will certainly be heating up between now and the trade deadline, and when teams can trade their free agents they signed over the summer.
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