The Houston Rockets have impressed early in the NBA season and could look to make a win-now trade before the February 6th deadline.

But it doesn’t look like this trade is going to happen for Jimmy Butler.

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported Wednesday that “sources with knowledge of the Rockets’ thinking claim it is extremely unlikely they will pursue a 35-year-old.”

Houston has a young core with Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr., and Butler is someone who could provide veteran leadership alongside Fred VanVleet. He’s also someone who could take over a playoff series without a lack of experience with 119 career postseason games.

Still, it doesn’t look like the Rockets’ front office will be willing to give up the funds necessary to sign him, even if it might improve their immediate prospects.

And it could require a significant amount of assets if a bidding war eventually breaks out before the trade deadline.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Butler’s agent Bernie Lee had “indicated in league circles” that the six-time All-Star would be open to the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks in addition to the Rockets.

Lee should be noted here called Charania is out for his report, which means a number of Western Conference contenders who could realistically position themselves as even more serious championship threats with Butler on the roster.

Combining Butler with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix, Stephen Curry in Golden State, or Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving in Dallas is not an ideal situation for the other Western Conference teams, and it could come down to which team is willing to give up most to the Miami Heat.

The 35-year-old has a player option for next season, and the Heat could decide to move him this season before potentially losing him without the return package a trade would provide.

It just doesn’t look like they’re moving him to Houston.