The Houston Rockets have a hot chance days before the 2024-25 season. This opportunity can either make the team dictate the already fiercely competitive West or fizzle out like nothing happened. Ime Udoka’s men had showed resistance in the second half, and almost entered the postseason. So AJ Griffin’s ‘generous’ walk-away from the H-Town could move the needle for the side. Before we open up further on the sacrifice, here’s the scoop: Jimmy Butler could be incoming in exchange for a future restricted free agent.

For all those who missed the action, AJ Griffin came into the league after the Atlanta Hawks selected him as the 16th overall pick in 2022. After a decent rookie season, averaging just under 9 points, the small forward had a difficult sophomore season, struggling with injuries and personal setbacks. He ended up playing only 20 games, averaging 2.4 points. And in a surprising move, the Rockets acquired Griffin via draft day trade from the Hawks this offseason.

Despite the fact, just earlier this year, it reported that he was “seriously considering” stepping away from the court. Right when everyone expected him to bounce back in his third season, he’s pulled out, citing personal reasons. Interestingly, AJ Griffin and the Rockets agreed to a $250,000 buyout only, per Keith Smith’s report. Notably, with 2 more seasons left in his rookie contract, the 21-year-old was estimated to make around $9.9 million, and this sacrifice, most would call it, has saved the team around $9.65 million.

More importantly, it has opened up trade doors for the Houston side. The Rockets are now roughly $10.5 million under the tax apron following the AJ Griffin buyout. Heading into the training camp, they have 19 players in the tank. 1 player short of the maximum limit.

The Houston Rockets could either go in without making any change to the roster or surprise the NBA world with a late-end trade. Not to forget, the spin machines have churned out hordes of Jimmy Butler trade rumors.

Will the Rockets rope in Jimmy Butler after AJ Griffin’s exit?

The 35-year-old Jimmy Butler has two more seasons left in his contract with a player option at the end. If not for now, the Miami Heat forward could see a way out of the Florida team if the first half of the upcoming season doesn’t go his way. Moreover, the Bleacher Report proposed a potential trade involving Jimmy with the Rockets’ side. However, the H-Town had to pay a heavy price for it.

The Rockets would have to give up Jalen Green, the one who lit up the franchise’s second half last season, Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, Jeff Green, and two first-round picks. Even though it seems like a one-sided deal, both sides have a win-win situation. While the Rockets get Butler, the Heat can run their business by teaming up Green with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.

With only two seasons left in his rookie contract, Green’s upcoming free agency situation could also play a part in this last-minute fiasco. While Green has made it clear to continue his journey with the Rockets, the team hasn’t made a clear word, as they can’t commit to a lofty contract while they have a set of young talents in their tank.

On the other hand, the Rockets can also show their interest in three notable free agents, namely Jack McVeigh, Doug McDermott, and Robert Covington. Each player has come in with their own specialty, McVeigh is an NBL MVP, McDermott is the best shooter in the lot, and the 11-season NBA vet Covington is 3 and a D-threat. At the same time, Ime Udoka could just trust the depth of his roster, go with an unchanged side, and pick the final 15. Will the Rockets attempt the Jimmy Butler trade? Let us know in the comments.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.