NBA Rumors: Miami Heat say Caron Butler wanted bigger role than they offered
By Josh Hill
The Miami Heat struck out on the major veterans who were bought out before March 1st as Danny Granger headed out west to join the Los Angeles Clippers while Caron Butler joined the Oklahoma City Thunder. Miami coveted both players but failed to sign either, but Pat Riley spoke on the matter recently and noted that the team at least tried.
According to Riley, who spoke to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Heat reached out to Butler but he was looking for a bigger role than Miami was willing to offer him.
Per Winderman:
"“We love Caron. We reached out to him. But he was very definitive with what he wanted and I don’t think it’s something we could have promised.”"
We will have to watch and see what Butler’s role with the Thunder is, as it’s likely to be bigger than the one he’d have had with the Heat. Miami can still sign a veteran who was bought out before March 1st, but it’s very clear that they’re not just going to sign anyone they don’t have minutes for.