If the Houston Rockets want to acquire All-Star Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves, they're going to have to offer up more than four first-round picks.
According to ESPN's Malika Andrews, including shooting guard Eric Gordon as part of the return in a Butler trade "mandatory." Head coach Tom Thibodeau wants a package that includes players who can help Minnesota stay competitive and vie for a playoff spot, per Andrews.
Whether or not the Rockets are willing to go that route remains to be seen. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported last week that Houston offered four first-rounders for Butler, but it wasn't enough for Minnesota. It's just another indicator that the Timberwolves have maintained their incredibly high asking price for Butler.
Marc Stein of the New York Times recently reported that the Miami Heat offered young standout Josh Richardson and a first-round pick to Minnesota for Butler, which they turned down. The T-Wolves sought Tobias Harris from the Los Angeles Clippers in a potential Butler deal, but LA wouldn't move him.
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Butler will be 30 next year, and he can opt out of his contract after this season - which could be why teams are nervous about giving up so much for him. Butler may only have a couple of prime years left, and he could wind up leaving the team that acquires him this offseason.
The four-time All-Star is averaging 22.5 points, 3.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game for the Timberwolves. Butler can opt out of his contract and join what is shaping up to be a star-studded 2019 free agent market. Wojnarowski initially reported that the Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks topped Butler's wish list, as all three teams have the cap space to give him the super max contract.
For Minnesota, patience is a virtue as they await a deal for Butler. Either the organization will have to lower their asking price, or a team will have to up its offer in order to seal the deal.