The Houston Rockets have swung and missed on Jimmy Butler twice this season. First when they were negotiating a deal for him with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were adamant about not shipping him to another Western conference team. But given his recent decision to opt out with the Sixers and go to Miami, the Rockets likely dodged a bullet. If he wanted to go to Miami regardless, he likely would have made the same decision even if the Rockets acquired him then.
This time around, they were always facing an uphill battle to get Butler, as they would have needed help from Butler and interest from Philadelphia.