Improvements across the board with this trade giving all teams better sense of direction.

The Rockets give themselves a legitimate chance at deeper playoff runs with Butler's playoff experience and familiarity being the best asset in the deal. They become one of, if not the only team, with long-term secured youth extending to their rotational bench getting time to gel in the competitive atmosphere, 5 on rookie scale contracts along with their connective veterans. They only get to sacrifice Jabari, the most replaceable starter they have, of all their long-term rotation players, while only handing out one future mid-first-round pick.

Butler gives Houston a more diverse offense with hopefully less turnover generation with the ball more spread out from the former exclusive predictable ball-dominant players in Vanvleet, Green, and Sengun. Butler allows the Rockets to unlock any midrange initiation in the offense that has been non-existent from all their guards. Green being able to focus more on moving off-the-ball should also get him better opportunities and options off-the-catch. Sengun should also benefit from having a great option in an early post kickout situation with Butler as the secondary offensive initiator. There will be specific matchups that either/both Sengun and Green are going to see fits, which calls forth the need for a versatile seasoned veteran scoring option in the offense like Butler. This season, Houston has struggled finding means to score enough on the board with any rough shooting night from their starters.

Doubts should arise if a team would legitimately be willing to give Johnson two first-round picks for a decreased role on contending teams with mostly competent shooters already. Miami could be one of the few teams who play with no natural point guard, which a team might favor more on-ball opportunities for Cam. Nets get great draft equity (PHX 2025 FRP as the more favorable) while only taking on non-rotational expiring contracts in Green, Tate, and Landale (non-guaranteed beyond this season).

Ingram has played his last game on a Pelicans uniform and he is probably barely worth anything now. Miami becomes one of the few teams who now have the flexibility to curate a roster tailored for Ingram's needs and acquires him to secure his bird rights. Getting Robinson and Adams allows them to pivot in whichever further direction they elect, getting more leverage in Williamson trade talks while still having veterans who can greatly compliment their youth.

POTENTIAL MIAMI HEAT ROTATION:

Herro - Johnson - Smith - Jovic - Adebayo

Rozier - Jaquez - Highsmith - Ware

POTENTIAL HOUSTON ROCKETS ROTATION:

VanVleet - Green - Brooks - Butler - Sengun

Holiday - Whitmore - Eason - Thompson - Watford