San Antonio Spurs Listed as Leaders for Jimmy Butler

If Jimmy Butler is placed on the trade block by the Miami Heat, expect most NBA teams to show at least some interest. Butler is 35 years old, likely past his prime, and injury-prone, but he is also the fiercest competitor in the NBA and does not see losing as a possibility.

As teams look to gain a competitive edge, perhaps no player in the league offers what Butler does: elite defense, solid and well-rounded offense, and an intense attitude.

The San Antonio Spurs are looking to build a winning, defensive-minded team, so Butler clearly fits their new team identity. While he doesn't match the timeline, he would be a solid veteran presence for the Spurs to add, and they certainly have all the trade chips to get a deal done .

While the Spurs have shown no interest, teams like the Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets have made their intentions clear, and they are expected to put in offers for Butler. However, the Spurs can outbid pretty much any team in the league, and have the fourth-best odds of landing Butler, should he and the Heat part ways.

Butler has a player option after this season, and will likely opt out as he seeks a long-term deal. The Spurs have the means to ink him to a contract, but as he gets into his late thirties, committing to him for the foreseeable future becomes a gamble.

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If the Spurs can retain all of their starters, with the exception of Harrison Barnes, in a deal, bringing him in makes sense. But with teams around the league showing interest, the Spurs might find themselves in an unnecessary bidding war.