NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets, Pelicans Made Offers To Timberwolves Before 76ers Acquired Jimmy Butler

The Minnesota Timberwolves had a number of options when it came to trading Jimmy Butler. Before sending the star shooting guard to the Philadelphia 76ers, the team mulled several other offers.

Minnesota sent Butler and Justin Patton to Philadelphia for Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second-round draft pick. The Timberwolves reportedly chose that trade package over potential deals with the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans.

Before the trade with Philadelphia was reported Saturday, Houston might’ve been considered the favorite to land Butler. It was just a few weeks ago that ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Rockets offered Minnesota four future first-round draft picks for the All-Star. According to The Athletic, Houston’s final offer was Eric Gordon, Nene and two first-rounders.

The Athletic reported that the Timberwolves also rejected the Pelicans' offer of Nikola Mirotic and an unprotected first-round pick. New Orleans is trying to avoid finding themselves in a similar predicament as Minnesota. If Anthony Davis doesn’t sign a contract extension in the summer, the team will likely have to explore trading their superstar.

Both Houston and New Orleans have struggled to start the 2018-2019 NBA season and are currently out of the playoffs. The Washington Wizards have gotten off to an even more disappointing start with nine losses in their first 13 games. Wojnarowski reported that the Wizards and Timberwolves had trade discussions, but Washington was unwilling to give up Bradley Beal.

When the season began, it looked like Butler would wind up with the Miami Heat. Minnesota rejected Miami’s offer that included Josh Richardson last month, and the Heat didn’t include Richardson in future trade packages after he started to put up big numbers.

The Timberwolves might have made a mistake by passing on Miami’s previous proposal. Richardson is averaging 20.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 16.6 shots per game. He’s four years younger than Butler and owed just over $30 million over the next three seasons.

Butler will become eligible to sign a five-year, $190 million contract with Philadelphia in the offseason. Other teams can offer him a four-year deal worth up to $141 million.