In the NBA draft lottery, the Houston Rockets upgraded from the No. 9 to the No. 3 pick, giving them a more important player with which to drastically improve the squad.
The Rockets are anticipated to take all available options with the No. 3 pick, including moving down, selecting a star player, or selecting a top rookie in this class, according to Kelly Iko of the Athletic.
Donovan Mitchell of Cleveland might be one such celebrity. The Rockets “have been monitoring his situation for months,” Iko was informed by league insiders.
When it comes to Donovan Mitchell and Jimmy Butler’s futures, the Houston Rockets are a team to keep an eye on.
In the event that Mitchell declines to sign a long-term contract with Cleveland, trade offers for the All-Star scorer are anticipated to be considered by the Cavaliers. An All-NBA type player would be a better candidate for such a transfer than some other players who might be available, such Mikal Bridges of Brooklyn and Brandon Ingram of New Orleans, argues Iko.
However, it’s reasonable to speculate if the Rockets would contact the Miami Heat regarding Jimmy Butler if Mitchell is out of the picture. Like Mitchell, Butler is also up for an extension this summer and, if he and the Heat can’t come to an agreement, it isn’t crazy to envision teams like the Rockets calling about Butler’s availability.
Since Butler is from the Houston region, it stands to reason that Ime Udoka, the head coach of the Rockets right now, would be thrilled to get the chance to mentor the fierce Butler.
In addition to helping the Heat add young talent to the roster, a transaction involving the No.
3 pick, Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, and a young player like Tari Eason would match the salary requirements. Alternatively, the Heat may trade that package for a star player to take Butler’s spot to a third team.
Even if it might seem unrealistic at this moment, anything can happen in the NBA very quickly. These franchises could be in contact this summer, depending on how the extensions talks between Mitchell and Butler go and what Houston does with the third overall choice between now and draft night.
