Caron Butler explains why he joined Oklahoma City Thunder

After veteran swingman Caron Butler and the Milwaukee Bucks officially parted ways after agreeing to a buyout, contenders lined up in an attempt to sign Butler to knock down timely shots and help provide offense off of the bench.

After talking to the Miami Heat, among others, Butler finally decided on signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

On Monday, Butler practiced with the Thunder and head coach Scott Brooks told reporters Butler would play and could start when the Thunder host the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday night.

Butler told Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman why he signed with the Thunder.

"Q: Tell us what the process was and really why you wanted to come here with the Thunder.A: I just thought it would be a great opportunity for me as a veteran guy to play alongside some of the elite talents like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and obviously (Serge) Ibaka and (Kendrick) Perkins and the list goes on. It’s a young core, a young nucleus, and I like what they represent. Playing in the Washington area for years, I had a chance to watch Kevin mature and become this superstar that he’s become. And I just love what he represents. I love what this whole organization represents, and I thought it would be a good fit."

Butler averaged 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24.1 minutes per game in 34 games for the Bucks this season.