NBA 2018-19: 5 Most Likely Jimmy Butler Trades

#4 Houston Rockets

Can Jimmy Butler thrust Houston past the Warriors?

The Rockets receive: Jimmy Butler

The Timberwolves receive: Eric Gordon, P.J. Tucker, 2019 first-round pick

The Houston Rockets came closer to knocking the Golden State Warriors out before the NBA Finals than anyone could imagine. Most of the credit goes to their fantastic backcourt of Harden and Paul and the coaching of Mike D'Antoni. However, despite the fact that D'Antoni's game is known for being more offensive-minded, their success was also thanks to their defense.

For the first time in D'Antoni's coaching career, his team finished top 10 in the league in both defensive rating and opponents' points per game. One of the players responsible for that was Trevor Ariza, who was the team's best wing defender, tasked with guarding the opposing team's best wing player. His departure left Houston without a player who can guard guys like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

Jimmy Butler will not only cover for his defensive duties, he will also be a great offensive upgrade on Ariza. They can stomach losing their sixth man, Eric Gordon, because they retained the services of Gerald Green, and Tucker is expendable because of his size and limited skill. Nevertheless, the age of the two might be the obstacle for this deal.