On December 21, Beijing time, although the Rockets are considered to be one of Butler's preferred next homes, and Butler was also born in Houston, NBA reporter Brett Siegel pointed out in the latest report that neither the Rockets nor the Mavericks can get Butler.

"The Mavericks have a largely fixed roster and they can't make any changes other than possibly trading Kleber for a bench player, while the Rockets are unwilling to sacrifice any part of their young core," Siegel wrote in the report. After reaching the NBA Cup semifinals and going 18-9 in the first 27 games of the season, who can blame Houston for that mentality? ”

"Shin Kyung and Jalen Green have both performed well with the Rockets this season, and Udoka's team has made tremendous progress since the end of last season. The Rockets have been looking for star-caliber players since last season's trade deadline, but this season they will be looking to fill gaps in the roster, possibly using the contracts of Jeff Green ($8 million), Landale ($8 million) and Tate ($7.5 million) to boost roster depth. ”

Previously, Rockets general manager Stone also said that he does not expect to change the roster at this time, even if the Rockets' financial flexibility, tradable contracts and draft assets may be the best in Butler's potential home.

ESPN recently laid out a plan for the Rockets and the Heat to trade Butler, specifically for the Rockets to get Butler, and the Heat to get Adams, Dillon, Jeff Green, a 2027 first-round pick (the Rockets and Nets are the last), and a 2029 first-round pick (the second-best among the Rockets, Mavericks and Suns).

Salary expert Marks said that in terms of salary, this is the most appropriate, and the Heat's salary expenses can be reduced by 6 million this season and even more in 2025-26. The Heat have Dillon as Butler's replacement on the defensive end, plus two first-round picks. For the Rockets, they could get Butler without giving up any of their young core, but at the expense of future flexibility.

But would the shrewd Riley be willing to trade Butler for only those rewards?