Inside The Rockets

Rockets Acquire Heat Star Jimmy Butler in Mock Trade

Jimmy Butler could return to his hometown to play with the Houston Rockets.

Jeremy Brener

Nov 6, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) puts up a layup against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Nov 6, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) puts up a layup against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Houston Rockets are off to a fast star this season, giving them a chance to be one of the top contenders in the Western Conference.

While their current roster has grown enough to get towards the top, adding a star could solidify their place among the best in the league.

Bleacher Report writer Zach Buckley suggests a trade that sends Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler to the Rockets for Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams and a 2027 first-round pick (top-three protected).

"The Rockets are off to a strong start, but they still might be a star away from true contention. And they seemingly believe Butler—who grew up just outside of Houston—has enough wattage to fill that void. He fits the gritty, defense-first approach of coach Ime Udoka and could use his playmaking and gravitational pull on defenders to make life easier for Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet," Buckley writes.

A trade like this could be something the Rockets cook up in an offseason, but the Rockets have done enough to deserve a shot to run it out with the current group to see how far it can go. Then, Houston can make adjustments once it learns that this group is good enough to make the postseason.

The Rockets are back in action on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Want to join the discussion? Like Rockets on SI Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Rockets news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.

Published
Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

Home/News