The Golden State Warriors are reportedly eyeing Jimmy Butler, who has one year remaining on his contract before potentially opting into a $52 million player option for the 2025-26 season. With tensions brewing between Butler and Miami Heat president Pat Riley after their first-round playoff exit to the Boston Celtics, the once-strong partnership between Butler and the Heat could be in jeopardy.
The Warriors, eager to add another star alongside Stephen Curry, might be willing to sacrifice their future assets for a final championship push. However, the San Antonio Spurs, armed with promising young players, a wealth of draft picks, and significant cap space, could outbid Golden State if they decide to go all-in. The Spurs are focused on maximizing the potential of their young, defense-oriented core, featuring Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, and rising star Victor Wembanyama. Bringing in Butler, a proven leader and fierce competitor, seems like a natural fit, although his 32.9% career three-point shooting, injury concerns, and age (34) could raise red flags.
Nevertheless, if the Spurs can package draft picks along with Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, and Harrison Barnes, they might keep their young core intact while extending Butler’s impact into Wembanyama’s prime years. This could give them a formidable starting lineup of Castle, Vassell, Butler, Sochan, and Wembanyama. While Butler did shoot 41.4% from three last season, that appears to be an outlier in his career, and the offense could lack shooting consistency with Vassell as the only reliable threat from deep. However, with four potential All-Defensive team players, defense would be their identity.
The big question remains: If the Spurs can retain their 2025 first-round picks and avoid parting with key young assets, is it worth betting on one of the NBA’s most intense competitors for a deep playoff run?
