TRADE NEWS ; Jimmy Butler is traded to the Spurs in a wild mock trade.
The San Antonio Spurs seem to have the blueprint of a winner, as Victor Wembanyama is already one of the best players in the NBA. However, despite cries from some fans, they are not in a rush to compete in a crowded Western Conference.
The Spurs have been linked, at points, to players like Trae Young, Lauri Markkanen, Darius Garland, and Brandon Ingram. Recently, Miami Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler has seemingly hit the trade market, and the Spurs are among the favorites to land him.
In any trade for “Playoff Jimmy,” the Spurs would have to give up quite a haul, but a recently proposed deal takes the cake for the most outlandish. In the deal, originally suggested by The Wright Way, the Spurs would send Devin Vassell, Zach Collins, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick to the Heat in exchange for Butler. Having Butler, one of the NBA’s greatest competitors, on the team would certainly propel the rebuild in San Antonio, but next season will not be about rushing the rebuild, it will be about developing existing talent. While the Spurs could likely rival the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, and Sacramento Kings next season by adding Butler, they would still fall short against the mighty Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, or Denver Nuggets.
Veterans Chris Paul, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, and Butler all surrounding Wembanyama would be a drastic improvement over this season’s expected roster, but at what cost? Butler is 35 years old and has not appeared in 70 games since the 2016-17 season, so he would not be a long-term piece in San Antonio. On top of that, he can opt out of his contract after only a season and test free agency.
Related: Victor Wembanyama to Rival Anthony Davis This Season? Devin Vassell has cemented himself as a key player in San Antonio, and shipping him out for a win-now player before the core is ready to compete would be detrimental to the long-term success the Spurs are trying to build.
