Recent discussion of Jimmy Butler trade rumors has been underway, with a few teams entering the mix. Among the front-runners were the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat. The Philadelphia 76ers also emerged in headlines, as a candidate that could pursue a deal. So far, the only deal that anyone has mentioned has come from the Rockets, though. It involved several players and multiple first-round picks. Now, the Minnesota Timberwolves have named at least one player they'd like in a deal for Jimmy Butler.

Rockets' Eric Gordon is required

A previous deal that was proposed, had the Houston Rockets sending Marquese Chriss and Brandon Knight to the Timberwolves, along with four first-round draft picks.

However, the two players mentioned are both injured right now. With no real timetable given for their return to action, it has Minnesota less interested in that deal. Even the draft picks would require waiting to see who is available in those particular spots, which would be in the 20s.

A new report has emerged regarding the Minnesota Timberwolves' interest in the deal. According to a report via ESPN, league sources indicated that guard Eric Gordon would have to be "mandatory" for a deal to take place.

That's because Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau wants a return for Jimmy Butler that includes players able to help Minnesota get back to the playoffs.

Timberwolves, Rockets both struggling

At the moment, Houston and Minnesota have experienced rough starts for their NBA seasons. The Rockets are just 1-4 overall and rank third-to-last in the Western Conference.

The Timberwolves are a spot above them, with a 2-4 record. Clearly, both teams may need some help and a trade could be the way to jump-start their rosters.

Houston was set back slightly by the brawl that happened during the Los Angeles Lakers game. That sidelined their star guard Chris Paul with a suspension. Reigning NBA MVP James Harden was hit by a recent injury and didn't play in Friday night's game (October 26), a 133-113 home loss against the Los Angeles Clippers.

In fact, Houston only had four bench players available for the game, due to injuries.

Sixers, Heat also in Butler trade rumors

While the Houston Rockets remain the team mentioned most in the headlines, don't discount a few other teams from making some deals out of nowhere. The Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat have been mentioned as suitors who could go after Jimmy Butler.

Miami's Pat Riley has been known to bring star players to Miami, including Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and now Dwyane Wade. In particular, Wade teamed up with Butler for the Chicago Bulls, so that could be a reunion of sorts in Miami.

The Philadelphia 76ers were also very quiet this past summer. They kept their core players intact, but didn't make waves in terms of free agency moves. Acquiring Butler in a trade could really boost their lineup by adding a great player to go alongside emerging stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
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