The Rockets’ offseason has been relatively quiet so far and that may be a good thing.
Houston’s top target this summer was reportedly Jimmy Butler. But, it missed out on the wing as the Heat landed him in a sign-and-trade with the 76ers.
The Rockets, however, “are better off without” Butler, “considering chemistry and what it would have cost them,” league scouts and executives reportedly told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
The 29-year-old averaged 18.7 points last season and has made four All-Star teams over his eight-year career. But, he has reportedly had issues with teammates and some have speculated his style of play would clash with Rockets guards James Harden and Chris Paul.
Among other items in here: Scouts and execs I talked to think the Rockets are better off without Jimmy Butler, considering chemistry and what it would have cost them. https://t.co/jYChfJUmqF
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 4, 2019
"The reaction from several rival scouts and executives to Jimmy Butler deciding to go to the Miami Heat over the Houston Rockets: The Rockets dodged a bullet."
The Rockets are now looking to acquire wing Andre Iguodala in a trade with the Grizzlies and sign free agent center JaVale McGee, according to a report from the Houston Chronicle.
Iguodala was reportedly sent to Memphis, along with a protected first-round pick, last weekend as the Warriors needed to clear cap space to acquire D'Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade.
McGee met with the Rockets earlier this week, that report says. He averaged 12.0 points and 7.5 rebounds with the Lakers in 2018-19.
The Rockets have also re-signed Gerald Green, Danuel House and Austin Rivers.