After Victor Wembanyama’s impressive debut season, there’s a sense of urgency for the San Antonio Spurs to bolster their lineup around him. With a plethora of draft picks and promising young talent, they might consider making a bold move. Could a trade for Jimmy Butler, a six-time All-Star, be the answer?
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Andy Bailey proposed a significant trade between the Miami Heat and the Spurs. According to Bailey’s proposal, the Heat would receive Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, a 2024 first-round pick (via the Raptors), along with 2027 and 2029 first-round picks. In return, San Antonio would acquire Jimmy Butler.
Bailey acknowledged the possibility of the Spurs tanking next season for better draft picks but stressed the importance of acting decisively due to Wembanyama’s emergence. Instead of banking on uncertain prospects like Cooper Flagg or Ace Bailey, who are top high school players, the Spurs could opt for a win-now approach by acquiring Butler, a premier wing player known for his exceptional playoff performances.
Despite Butler’s postseason injury in 2024, his consistent performance during the regular season solidified his status as one of the league’s top 15 players. With averages of 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game with Miami, Butler remains a coveted asset. While his future with the Heat is uncertain, a move to the Spurs might seem unlikely but not entirely implausible.
Jimmy Butler Is Extension Eligible
One of the main reasons there’s talk about Butler’s future is his chance to sign an extension this summer. Currently, he’s two years into a three-year, $146 million contract, with the option to become a free agent in 2025. Miami’s president, Pat Riley, added fuel to the speculation during a recent press conference by downplaying the urgency of extending Butler’s contract, stating they have a year to consider it.
Despite Butler’s eligibility to negotiate an extension starting June 7, this would mark the first time in his five-year tenure with Miami that they haven’t promptly secured him for the long haul. Riley mentioned that they haven’t yet made any firm decisions or had in-depth discussions about it. Since Butler joined in 2019, he has been the cornerstone of the team, contributing to their impressive record and two NBA Finals appearances.
Spurs Not Yet in a Position to Contend
While Wembanyama’s debut season brought excitement, there’s a debate on whether San Antonio feels comfortable enough to trade multiple key players. If discussions involve acquiring Butler, the Spurs must consider whether their remaining roster is sufficient for a competitive run in the Western Conference. Though a trade might improve their short-term prospects, prioritizing Wembanyama’s long-term development is crucial.
Additionally, Butler’s past clashes with younger teammates, notably during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, raise concerns. While he criticized players like Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, Wembanyama’s demeanor differs from theirs.
Opting for a trade involving a discontented star could be riskier than maintaining the current trajectory. Moreover, the compatibility between Butler and Wembanyama on the court isn’t flawless, particularly given the absence of a starting point guard, an area the Spurs are expected to address in the upcoming offseason.
Last season, Butler and Wembanyama’s shooting percentages from beyond the arc were subpar for leading players in today’s NBA. Additionally, without a solid point guard, Butler would likely shoulder more playmaking responsibilities, a strategy Miami has tried to move away from recently.
Considering these factors, Spurs supporters should find solace in knowing that committing fully to a 34-year-old star isn’t their sole option this summer.
