“How much do the Houston Rockets want to meddle with a young roster that’s off to a 17-8 start to the season?” Swartz said.
“The next two months will certainly give us this answer, as the Rockets may want to add another vet if they want to make any sort of playoff run.”
“The Rockets made Butler’s reported list of potential destinations, and a homecoming would make sense for the Texas native. He fits the hard-nosed culture that head coach Ime Udoka has built.”
“(Julius) Randle is another Texas guy who would be an upgrade at power forward over Jabari Smith Jr.”
Randle is in year three of a four-year, $117 million deal (player option next season). He’s averaging a very solid 20.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists this season for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but things haven’t fully clicked for the new-look Wolves, for whatever reason.
Minnesota may determine it would be mutually beneficial to part ways with Randle.