Spurs interstate rivals destinations for superstar reportedly on the move

Much to the chagrin of Spurs fans everywhere, the Mavericks and Rockets are two of the top four teams in the Western Conference.

Sitting with tied records of 16-8 in the third and fourth seed, both franchises have their eyes set on the title, and recent reports indicate they are on a short list of teams Jimmy Butler would prefer to play for after ESPN insider Shams Charania, revealed Miami's interest in trading the veteran.

Golden State is also said to be a destination Butler wouldn't mind heading to. Anything that may help the Warriors win another title is a no-go for most fans across the league, but there's a special disdain for Dallas and Houston for SA fans. It's always preferable for them to win absolutely no titles, no matter where the Spurs are in their competitive trajectory.

Jimmy Butler's isn't a guaranteed title but it helps

Butler doesn't want to leave Miami. He's made that clear on several occasions. Unfortunately for him, it looks like the Heat's general manager and NBA legend, Pat Riley, is ready to move on from the 14-year vet. Jimmy is 35 years old and has spent the last six seasons in South Beach. It's amounted to two NBA Finals appearances but no titles.

His playoff performances are always must-watches because no matter how he played during the regular season—no matter how disinterested he looked when the stakes weren't high enough when the money was on the table—he elevated himself into a top-10 player.

For example, he went from averaging 22.9 points per game in 2022-23—the last time the Heat made the playoffs—to averaging 26.9 in the postseason. The previous year, he went from 21.4 to 27.4. He had a 40-point and a 35-point game in the NBA Finals. The problem is his age and injury history.

Butler has a reputation for being a bit callous at times. That's something you put up with more when the production is worth it, and they have for years. He's still producing—Jimmy averages 19 points per game—but it isn't amounting to enough wins. Sure, they're above .500 with a record of 12-10, but the Eastern Conference is weaker than a newborn trying to curl 20-pound weights.

He's broken down in the playoffs quite a bit in the last few seasons, too. The six-time all-star also hasn't played more than 64 regular season games since 2018-19. So these are all things to consider, but circumstances matter. Miami's team isn't built very well right now. The fact that they got to the Finals two years ago is a testament to Erik Spoelstra's coaching, more than anything.

Butler wouldn't have to play as many minutes with these other teams, though, depending on the trade packages. It shouldn't command a high price at this stage of his career, so they wouldn't have to gut their teams to pull this off.

Dallas, Houston, and Golden State are pretty deep teams as it is. The Warriors are reportedly interested in adding a star player to the roster, and with so many vets on the team, they may not be averse to adding another for a short run. I have a harder time seeing the Rockets and Mavericks interested in adding Butler, but crazier things have happened.

NBA trade season is rapidly approaching, and the whispers of transactions are already beginning to float. It's one of the most exciting seasons in all of sports, but that will only apply to Spurs fans if two of our most hated rivals don't take another step toward a Larry O'Brien Trophy.