Jimmy Butler, the Tomball native that had been the Rockets' top free agent target, reached agreement to sign with the Miami Heat on Sunday before the Rockets could secure a meeting with him.
Butler will go to the Heat, according to multiple reports, in a sign-and-trade deal built around Josh Richardson going to Philadelphia.
The Rockets, having grown increasingly confident about their chances, had lined up several trade options to position themselves to do a direct sign-and-trade with the Sixers or create a three-team deal, but were unable to make it work with Butler.
The Rockets had considered themselves to have a 50/50 shot to get Butler, good odds for a pursuit of a five-time All-Star in demand, especially while over the salary cap.