Grade the trade pitch: Spurs give Wembanyama superstar teammate in win-now deal

The Spurs are showing they may be ahead of schedule more than a quarter of the way through the season. A 14-13 record puts them on pace for somewhere around 43-44 wins. That would have put them on the outside of the play-in looking in last season, but the win projection is based on what they've done with an injured roster.

A healthy team should increase their pace, but the right trade would certainly improve their chances. One of the most high-profile names on the market right now is Jimmy Butler. The Miami Heat are reportedly ready to move six-time all-star, and ESPN named San Antonio as a dark horse candidate to acquire Jimmy Buckets.

The Spurs would have to part with Harrison Barnes

In ESPN's proposed deal, San Antonio would send Harrison Barnes, Malaki Branham, Keldon Johnson, and the worst of the potential four first-round picks in the Spurs' possession in return for Jimmy Butler. It's not the worst deal in the world for a player still averaging 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, and one steal per game.

The question is about whether he's the right fit for the Silver and Black's timeline and team chemistry. Not to mention, San Antonio was not on Butler's reported list of preferred destinations. Those teams were the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and Phoenix Suns. But I guess that's why they call them 'dark horse candidates.' Things don't always go the way we expect.

Regardless of personal wishes, losing Barnes isn't an idea that should be agreed to without extreme carefulness. The Sacramento Kings are in the middle of seeing what happens when you prioritize talent over fit. Barnes is shooting 42.6% from three, making him one of San Antonio's best marksmen. Butler shoots 35.7% from distance, and that's not an easily dismissed difference between the two.

The Heat forward is making $48.7 million this season. He has a player option for $52 million next season, though rumors suggest he'll decline the option. Butler is on the record, claiming he doesn't care about money anymore. His desire to win seemingly will be the motivating factor for his decision-making in the future, so if he's traded, his next team may be able to re-sign him for a much cheaper.

However, he'd need to agree to that beforehand because you don't want to trade that much for a half-year rental. Butler is 35 years old, firmly putting him outside of the Spurs timeline. They want to make the postseason, but they don't need to go for a big swing like Jimmy.

It's too bad too, because he would have been a great addition to the culture. Jeremy Sochan, Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul, and Jimmy Butler all have a dog in them. Adding Butler would give the Spurs a bit of a bully-like edge. That would be fun to watch.

If a move like this were to be made, it would have another sizable downside. Sure, it would accelerate San Antonio's winning right now, but the article itself acknowledges it would stunt the growth of the other young guys the team hopes to develop, as they would have fewer opportunities on the court with Butler taking up so many minutes.

The Spurs should be looking for younger impactful players to add to their bench, and possibly a point guard or a small forward for the future. They can accomplish their goal of making the playoffs by going that route, and it will be more sustainable over the long term than bringing in another aging player who may not play at a high level for much longer.

Grade: C+