In practical terms, it’s too early to talk about NBA trades. We’re only a few games into the season, and front offices are still figuring out exactly what they have and what they want to trade for. Most of the players signed this summer couldn’t be traded until December 15 anyway, and it’s likely the calendar will flip to 2025 before any consequences are made.
None of that will stop the NBA hype. Here are some trade rumors from the last few days.
Rockets still targeting star trade, would be interested in Butler
When the Rockets signed Jalen Green and Alpren Shengun to contract extensions before the season, they committed to operating as an over-cap team next summer — Houston won’t be able to chase star free agents (only the Nets can). That didn’t diminish Houston’s desire to land a star to help its young core take the next step, notes Marc Stein in a recent newsletter.
Enter Jimmy Butler. If Miami makes the veteran wing available, the Rockets will be interested, Stein reports. Butler’s future in Miami is unclear. He and the Heat couldn’t agree on a contract extension this offseason, and Butler has a $52.4 million player option for next season, he could opt out and become a free agent. The more likely option is Butler opting in at that $52.4 million as part of a trade (or opting out in a multi-year deal at a lower annual salary). Butler grew up in Houston and the Rockets are looking for a star – this could be a good fit.
Lakers have an eye on Walker Kessler
Anthony Davis wanted to play more at the four this season, but he played 86% of his minutes at center through three games. The thing is, the Lakers don’t have another great option at the five without him (with all due respect to Jaxson Hayes and the injured Christian Wood). If a more traditional center becomes available, the Lakers are expected to be interested.
This is where Walker Kessler comes in, reports Jovah Buha of The Athletic. After finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting two years ago, followed by a second sophomore season, the Jazz big man bounced back through this preseason and a few games (9 points, 11.5 rebounds a game through two games). In addition, he still has a rookie contract earning $2.9 million this season and $4.9 million next season, which are very affordable numbers for the Lakers, who are looking to stay under the second tax apron. The price for Kessler would likely be at least one of the Lakers’ first-round picks.
The Lakers will want to get Wood and Jared Vanderbilt healthy, and ideally allow Christian Koloko to play and see what he can do, but Kessler is an option.
Other trade rumors we’ve written about:
• 76ers, Nets interested if Jonathan Kuminga becomes available in trade.
• PJ Tucker’s agent has been cleared by the Clippers to find a trade.
