The Houston Rockets lost at home to the Boston Celtics, once again demonstrating that what the Rockets lack is top-tier star players. Currently, the Rockets do not have a single player who has reached All-Star level; even Alperen Sengun, whose statistics look decent, has poor defense. Despite still ranking third in the Western Conference, the Rockets will face many strong teams in the coming games. With the uncertain injuries of Smith and Ison, they may be out for an extended period, making it imperative for the Rockets to improve their roster through trades.
The Rockets have been trying to pursue All-Star level players or even superstars. They offered a good deal of Jalen Green plus a first-round draft pick for Bridges when he was still with the Brooklyn Nets, but the trade ultimately did not materialize. Now, another opportunity has presented itself to Rockets' general manager Rafael Stone. If he is willing to provide sufficient assets, they could have a chance to acquire Jimmy Butler, the superstar forward from the Miami Heat.
Jimmy Butler has had a falling out with the Heat and was suspended for seven games. It's a foregone conclusion that he will be traded. Butler previously expressed that the Rockets are one of the teams he would like to join. As a native of Houston, playing in front of his hometown crowd would be a return to his roots for the 35-year-old veteran.
However, the Rockets seem to have little interest in Butler. According to the latest news, the Rockets' management has no intention of pursuing Butler. Their priority is to use draft picks and young players to chase superstar players during the offseason. Although the Rockets are not short on young talent and numerous first-round draft picks, pursuing a 35-year-old veteran like Butler is simply pointless.
More importantly, Butler will not exercise his player option for next season, meaning that even if the Rockets obtain Butler, they can only have him for half a year before he likely leaves as a free agent next season. Therefore, Rockets' general manager Rafael Stone is being shrewd by staying put and showing no interest in a Butler trade, directly indicating that the Rockets' future pursuit is not for veterans like Jimmy Butler.
Moreover, whether Butler can re-sign with the Rockets after opting out of his contract is still uncertain, so the Rockets cannot risk giving up significant assets. Even without Butler or a top-tier superstar, the Rockets can still be third in the West. They have strong offensive forwards like Whitmore and top defensive forwards like Amon Thompson, Little Smith, and Tari Ison.
Therefore, they have little interest in Butler, who averages 17+5+4 this season, which is also the reason why the Rockets have refused to participate in this trade so far.