NBA Trade Rumors: Wolves reportedly looking to acquire Jimmy Butler from Bulls

The Houston Rockets had some luck in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery. The Rockets, who got their pick from the Brooklyn Nets in the James Harden trade in 2021, moved from the ninth overall pick to the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Now, Houston GM Rafael Stone is expected to shop the third pick in trade talks to bring in a veteran player. The Rockets signed several veteran free agents in the 2023 offseason. Those players helped Houston improve from 22 wins in 2022-23 to 41 wins in 2023-24.

In addition to adding the vets, the Rockets still have a good young core. That has Houston looking at options for more win-now help, as opposed to adding another young player to the core of Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith II, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason.

Lauri Markkanen and the Utah Jazz are expected to agree to a long-term contract extension on Wednesday or later, which will make him ineligible for a trade during the 24-25 season. The Jazz hold $33 million in cap space they can use to increase Markkanen’s contract for the 24-25 season to maximize his earnings. Markkanen’s deal is projected to be worth upwards of $200 million over five years and will keep him under contract through 2029.

If Markkanen would have signed the extension on Tuesday, he could have been traded at the deadline.

The Jazz held Markkanen trade conversations with several serious suitors over the last month, including the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors. The Warriors made the most aggressive offer with Moses Moody, multiple first round picks, pick swaps and second round picks offered.

The Jazz acquired Markkanen as part of the 2022 trade of Donovan Mitchell and emerged as a franchise cornerstone.