Caron Butler signed with Detroit Pistons over playing time

When free agency broke, Caron Butler was pursued by some of the best teams in the NBA.

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There was certainly no shortage of suitors and most of those interested in Butler’s services were likely to compete for an NBA title. Still, Caron Butler decided to spurn them all and sign with the Detroit Pistons. It was a move that shocked many, though according to NBA.com one of the main reasons behind Butler’s decisions to play in Motown was over playing time.

"After he chose Oklahoma City and wound up starting for the Thunder in their playoff series loss to San Antonio, the same basic cast chased him again in free agency. Van Gundy won him with a sales job that included both a broader playing role but also the chance to restore the luster to a franchise with three NBA title trophies in its possession."

While the Detroit Pistons aren’t likely to be as poor of a team as they’ve been in recent memory, they’re by no stretch a title contender so it seems as if Butler preferred the lure of playing time and money over a bench role on a contender.

Of course, Caron Butler is still just 34-years-old and should have a few more NBA seasons left in him if he so inclines. It’s possible at that point he may attempt to ride coattails but it seems as if Butler still believes he can be a big minute player, something he hopes to show the Detroit Pistons this season.