The Houston Rockets might not be interested in a major trade this season but things change quickly in the NBA and the team might benefit from going all-in for a new star.
After starting the season 1-3, the Rockets’ core is talented but a true leader on the court is needed to make a push for the playoffs. A potential target for them is Jimmy Butler, a player whose time in Miami could be over soon. The Heat have not re-signed Butler who has a $52,413,394 player option next season, and the rumors of the franchise trading him have been swirling all summer. In a mock scenario where the Rockets want to bring on Jimmy Butler, we have provided three different trade offers from the Heat.
Trade Package 1: Three-In-One
Potential Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Jock Landale, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHO), 2029 First-Round Pick (HOU)
In this package, the Rockets send a mix of young talent and draft capital, with Jabari Smith Jr. as the centerpiece. Heading into his sophomore season, Smith brings potential as a two-way forward, with improved scoring and defensive versatility that could mirror some of Butler’s role in Miami, especially on defense and floor spacing. For Miami, Dillon Brooks’ gritty perimeter defense is another asset that aligns with their style, and Jock Landale provides additional depth in the paint. The two first-round picks, particularly the 2029 pick, give the Heat valuable flexibility for a rebuild if they choose that route.
This trade, however, carries risk for both teams. By giving up Smith and Brooks, the Rockets are sacrificing core pieces, leaving their young foundation—led by Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun—somewhat thinner under Ime Udoka. Udoka’s coaching philosophy emphasizes defense and high-effort plays, and while Butler would undoubtedly elevate that approach, it’s crucial the team has the right support to make it work. For Miami, this trade may push them toward a rebuild before they’re fully prepared, depending on how quickly Smith develops. Still, the potential reward for Houston is significant: Butler’s veteran presence could speed up Green and Sengun’s growth, possibly propelling them into the playoff picture under Udoka’s guidance.
Trade Package 2: A Blockbuster Trade To Go Younger
Potential Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHO), 2031 First-Round Pick (HOU)
Here, the Rockets bring out the heavy artillery by offering Amen Thompson, the talented 6’7” rookie who is already showing immense potential as a versatile playmaker. Thompson’s ability to get to the rim, facilitate, and defend multiple positions is the type of potential Miami may covet for a rebuild or retool. With Dillon Brooks, the Heat add a defensive specialist who brings intensity on the perimeter, and Steven Adams fortifies their frontcourt. The picks in 2027 and 2031 are a high-stakes play for Miami to gain assets and secure long-term flexibility.
For Houston, this is a bold gamble, trading a high-upside rookie in Thompson who could be a franchise cornerstone for years to come. But the Rockets’ desire to jump into the playoff picture now would be difficult without an immediate star presence like Butler. If Miami feels ready to let Butler go, this could be the trade that tips them toward a younger rebuild, with Thompson as the potential next big star.
Trade Package 3: A Strong Package For Butler
Potential Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Jeff Green, Steven Adams, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHO), 2029 First-Round Pick (HOU)
In this final package, the Rockets bring out all the stops, offering both Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson. For Miami, this package is the most enticing, giving them two young players who could be cornerstones, a seasoned veteran in Jeff Green, and Adams for a stronger interior presence. Smith’s ability to stretch the floor as a big complements Thompson’s attacking style, offering Miami a balanced mix of size, youth, and playmaking. The added draft capital in 2027 and 2029 ensures that Miami can leverage more picks as they plot their next big move.
For Houston, this is as all-in as it gets, trading two high-potential young players and future flexibility. While Butler’s leadership would indeed elevate the Rockets’ competitive spirit, losing Smith and Thompson leaves them with limited options to build beyond Butler and their existing pieces. For Miami, though, it’s a rare opportunity to reset with two lottery-level talents in one trade. This move signals a clear transition for the Heat while giving Houston a slim but possible path to serious playoff contention if Butler maximizes their potential right away.
Which Trade Offer Is The Best?
The best trade offer for both the Houston Rockets and the Miami Heat appears to be Trade Package 2, where the Rockets send Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, and two first-round picks for Jimmy Butler. This deal balances Miami’s need for a high-upside prospect with Houston’s need for immediate leadership. Amen Thompson, an intriguing talent with playmaking skills and defensive prowess, offers the Heat a potential cornerstone as they contemplate a younger, more dynamic future. With Brooks and Adams in the mix, Miami can still field a competitive roster while also holding valuable draft picks to further reshape their team over the next decade.
For Houston, this package is aggressive without entirely gutting their core. Retaining Jabari Smith Jr. allows them to keep a versatile forward with star potential, giving Butler a solid young sidekick as he brings toughness and clutch experience to the roster. Thompson is a significant asset to give up, but Houston’s roster is primed to benefit from Butler’s leadership, and his playoff-tested mentality could provide the Rockets with the veteran edge they’ve been lacking. By making this deal, the Rockets can maximize their young talent around a bona fide star without compromising their future entirely—positioning them as a legitimate playoff contender.
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