Jimmy Butler Rumors: Rockets 'Extremely Unlikely' to Pursue Heat Star amid Trade Buzz

The Houston Rockets have impressed at the start of the NBA season and could look to make a win-now trade ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline.

But it doesn't seem like that trade will be for Jimmy Butler.

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported Wednesday that "sources with knowledge of the Rockets' thinking maintain that they are extremely unlikely to pursue a 35-year-old."

Houston has a young core with Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr., and Butler is someone who could provide veteran leadership alongside Fred VanVleet. He is also someone who could take over a playoff series with no shortage of experience with 119 career postseason games.

Still, it doesn't seem like the Rockets' front office will be willing to give up the necessary assets to land him even if it could bolster their immediate outlook.

And it could take a significant number of assets if a bidding war eventually breaks out before the trade deadline.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, "indicated in league circles" the six-time All-Star would be open to ending up on the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks in addition to the Rockets.

While it should be noted Lee called Charania out for his report, that is a number of Western Conference contenders that could realistically position themselves as even more serious championship threats with Butler on the roster.

Butler combining with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix, Stephen Curry in Golden State, or Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving in Dallas is not an ideal situation for the other Western Conference teams, and it could come down to which one is willing to give up the most to the Miami Heat.

The 35-year-old has a player option for next season, and the Heat could decide to move him this season before potentially losing him without the return package a trade would offer.

It just doesn't seem like they will be moving him to Houston.