NBA Trades: The Spurs make a monster trade to try and win-now.
It may seem premature for the San Antonio Spurs to make such a splash, but that's a sign of how great Victor Wembanyama has truly been. The Spurs currently sit eighth in the West but are just two games out of the fourth seed.
The addition of Chris Paul has fast-forwarded the team's competitive timeline far sooner than initially expected, as has Wembanyama's continued development. The Spurs are ready for a taste of postseason basketball, but they certainly shouldn't go all in on an aging star, which is exactly why Butler is an attractive potential addition.
The Heat may have high hopes for a return as of now, but teams are aware that if they are to acquire Butler, an extension will have to be not too far down the road. This, along with Butler's age, lack of recent regular season success, and availability, drives up the price of a former multi-time All-Star.
Barnes, Johnson, and Branham don't make up the most enticing trade package, though they sound like one heck of a law firm, but they will allow Miami to continue their postseason push this year. Barnes is a quality floor-stretching fit at the four alongside Bam Adebayo, while Johnson may be able to rediscover himself with a change of scenery.
The jury is still out on Branham, but if nothing else, he is a reasonable young contract the Heat can potentially flip. It's unlikely a Jimmy Butler trade solves the Heat's immediate needs, at least not completely.
It's far more likely that it becomes the precursor to a second offseason move, whether it be for De'Aaron Fox, Lauri Markkanen, or whomever else may reach the rumor mill by then. The two first-round picks from San Antonio help to that end, as does the reduction in salary, which creates room below the first apron for the Heat, increasing future trade and free-agent flexibility.