Jimmy Butler’s trade is now inevitable. After recent drama, Pat Riley likely won’t keep him on the team. This means that by February 6, the Miami Heat won’t have their superstar soon. Or maybe the front office could add to the situation and retain Butler till the end of the ongoing season. Although the latter seems too far-fetched at this point. But the major question is: where will the 35-year-old forward go? Which team will become his new home after a controversial last lap in Miami?

Lesser-Known San Antonio Connection Fuels Jimmy Butler’s Spurs Rumors, as Pat Riley’s “Dirty” Tactics Pose Threat

The 2003 NBA champion Stephen Jackson may have the solution for Jimmy. As a former player of the San Antonio Spurs, he knows well what the team could offer to the 6x All-Star. Most importantly, he’ll get to work under the legend Gregor Popovich. Thus, speaking on All The Smoke podcast, Jackson shared his thoughts on Jimmy Butler‘s trade.

“For me, the only place is the Spurs. Everything else is fluff,” Stephen Jackson said without a moment’s hesitation. But why? “The Spurs is the only spot because that way he can- he’s going to the end of his career. He can get his contact and possibly have a great chance to win a championship and bring some toughness to a team that don’t have no toughness. And I think him and Chris Paul would be great together.”

If Jimmy Butler truly joined the Spurs, then the team would get two veterans for themselves. This could be quite beneficial for a team that’s working on bringing back their dynasty.

Moreover, Jackson thinks Jimmy Buckets wouldn’t fit into any other team. So, the veteran says: “Everything else he’ll be in the way. He’ll be beefing with everybody cuz he’ll be in situations where- I’m just telling you why. Cuz I’ve done it. You go to these teams where you’re with young guys that don’t understand how to win.” Therefore San Antonio Spurs at this moment is the only feasible option for the 35-year-old because here he can feel like a pro and champion and get the money. Besides, he can finish his career peacefully with the likes of Victor Wembanyama.

However, there’s a bigger concern looming at large. As a victim of Pat Riley‘s plan, Stephen Jackson fears something similar could happen with Jimmy Butler as well.

Jimmy Butler could fall prey to Pat Riley’s alleged foul tactics

The host [Matt Barnes] wanted to know: “Does Pat do him[Jimmy Butler] dirty and send him somewhere nasty?” Stephen Jackson has experienced Pat Riley’s strategies. Therefore, he answered: “I mean, it’s been done. I’ve been the victim. I was sent to Milwaukee (“to die” Barnes added).” The 1x NBA champ played for the Bucks for the 2011-12 NBA season. And it’s safe to say he did not have the best experience there. It was a team that was looking to rebuild itself. Moreover, as per previous reports, Jackson mentioned that Pat Riley’s grueling minicamp workout was why he didn’t want to play for the Miami Heat.

Now, returning to Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat president could do something similar with his superstar. Especially now that the relationship has taken a bitter turn, it wouldn’t be shocking if Pat Riley sends Jimmy to one of the mid-tier teams. Previously, there had been a conversation that the 35-year-old’s desperation to leave Miami could land him in a team like the Detroit Pistons. They have the money but performance? None. Championship dreams? Far-fetched.

Thus the Spurs might truly be the team for Jimmy Butler if he wants to play and hold a ‘respectable’ position in the team. However, a lot of the decisions rely on Pat Riley who could use his “dirty” tactics and turn the tables. What will happen then? We’ll hopefully find out. Soon.