NBA Rumors: Caron Butler interested in Miami Heat

May 25, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Caron Butler (2) reacts after making a 3 point shot against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter in game three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Caron Butler (2) reacts after making a 3 point shot against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter in game three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Heat reportedly had interested in signing Caron Butler after the veteran small forward was let go by the Milwaukee Bucks last season, however by the time such a sentiment was expressed, Butler was deep in negotiations with the Oklahoma City Thunder where he eventually signed.

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Good friends with the vast majority of players on the Miami Heat roster, including Dwayne Wade and Udonis Haslem, many (including myself) found it odd that Butler didn’t join the Heat initially but such makes sense given he was essentially already signed by the Thunder before Miami made their move.

Now with the offseason in full force, Butler is looking for a new home and appears to be open to joining the Miami Heat though won’t do so until he knows what the ‘Big 3’ plan to do in free agency.

"Caron Butler indicated during his radio interview that the Miami Heat approached him last season after he had already committed to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Otherwise, he might have signed on with the Heat. The Heat could have certainly used him. He said he would consider signing with the Heat this summer, but everything is contingent on James, Wade and Bosh."

Caron Butler won’t cost much and would be a prime target of the Heat if they are able to retain James, Wade and Bosh as he fills a variety of needs in South Beach.

Butler of course previously played for the Miami Heat franchise, though was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers (along with a handful of other players) in exchange for Shaquille O’Neal.