NBA rumors: Jimmy Butler sits atop Rockets' free agency wish list

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Rockets general manager Daryl Morey went on The Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday, and said James Harden and Chris Paul are the only two players on Houston's roster who definitely will return next season.

"We've spent a lot of time putting together two superstars. We're trying to add a third," Morey said. "Going backward from that doesn't make a lot of sense to us.

"We're going after one of these top free agents, and because of that, it's probably gonna have to be a trade. It has to be through sign-and-trade."

So, which star is Houston pursuing? Brian Smith of The Houston Chronicle has the details:

In late October, the Rockets reportedly offered the Timberwolves four first-round draft picks for Butler. In the end, the 29-year-old was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Considering the uncertainty surrounding the Warriors right now, it makes sense for the Rockets to go after a player like Butler. But while it's entirely possible the Rockets are targeting the Houston native, it's hard to know what to believe at this point.

In late May, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that everybody on the Rockets was available via trade. Then, on Tuesday afternoon, Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports reported that "[Chris] Paul went to Rockets management and demanded a trade, and [James] Harden issued a 'him or me' edict following the Rockets’ second-round loss to the Golden State Warriors."

Soon thereafter, the following emerged:

[RELATEDRockets GM Morey admits Dubs' injuries changes philosophy]

As Morey himself said Tuesday: "We've generated a lot of clicks in the last few weeks."

And the Rockets most likely will generate a lot more clicks in the coming weeks as well.

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