NBA Trades: 1 potential last-minute deal to shake up all 30 NBA teams

NBA Trades: Houston Rockets

The rapidly rising Houston Rockets appear ready to take off in 2024–25. However, they have plenty of young players who may not be able to win just yet. As a result, they appear to be targeting veterans to try and help mentor their young core, which includes Jalen Green, Alperin Sengun, and Jabari Smith. 

One trade target could involve Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. Butler will become a free agent after this season and it seems increasingly likely that he may leave Miami. While the Rockets may not be his first choice, he was born and raised in Houston and would make sense as an immediate floor-raiser who often gets the best out of his teammates.

He himself becomes a different player in the playoffs, going from a borderline all-star to a superstar in the postseason. He even led the Heat to two NBA Finals and nearly a third in a five-season span. A basis of a deal might involve the Rockets sending Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, Jock Landale, and two future firsts to the Heat for Butler.

This probably wouldn't be something that the Heat would consider prior to the start of the season. However, if they are out of the playoff picture by the trade deadline in February, then they may be more inclined to make the deal. After all, they owe the Oklahoma City Thunder a top 14 protected pick.

In that scenario, it would serve their best interest to bottom out and try to land a top 10 pick, adding to their potential 2024 draft steal, and Jaime Jacquez Jr. The deal would also add two firsts, giving them the chance to make another big trade down the road. For the Rockets, a core of Green, Butler, and Sengun might be enough to make some noise in the West.