Report: Rockets offering 4 future 1st-round picks in new bid for Butler
The Houston Rockets' desire to add another All-Star to pair with Chris Paul and James Harden has the organization making a fresh push for Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Jimmy Butler.
Houston's most recent offer reportedly includes four future first-round draft picks, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The NBA's "Stepien Rule" prevents teams from trading a first rounder in consecutive years. The four picks also represent the league maximum allowed for trade packages.
Both the Rockets and Timberwolves are reportedly still talking about which players would be moved along with Butler.
The 29-year-old informed the Timberwolves' front office that he has no intention of remaining in Minnesota and that he'll leave after becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer. Owner Glen Taylor has reportedly assured Butler that he'll send him away once he finds an acceptable offer.
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta stated earlier in October that he'd "love" for Butler to play in his hometown, but a trade would ultimately come down to assets, and he's not going to gut his roster.
Butler has played in four of Minnesota's five games to open the 2018-19 regular season, averaging 24.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 3.8 steals in 35.5 minutes.