NBA Rumors: Caron Butler has interest from Heat, Spurs and Lakers
By Sam Richmond
Free-agent forward Caron Butler is being pursued by the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers this summer, according to Sam Amick of USA Today Sports.
"According to a person with knowledge of his situation, Butler has serious interest from the respective conference champions, the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat, as well as the rebuilding Los Angeles Lakers. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of free agency talks."
While the Lakers are one of the premier franchises in the NBA, it’s hard to envision Butler heading to L.A. The 34-year-old is on the last legs of his career, and it wouldn’t make much sense for him to play for a team that is in the midst of a rebuild.
More from Los Angeles Lakers
- NBA rumors: Hawks trade candidate, Sixers miss out, Lakers almost lose Reaves
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- Bronny James collapses at practice, taken to ICU with cardiac arrest
- NBA Rumors: Lakers nearing another savvy minimum signing
- Lakers projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
The Spurs and Heat (assuming LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh return) represent excellent destinations for Butler. He wouldn’t be asked to contribute too heavily in either situation, and would simply be used as a helpful scorer off the bench.
As Amick notes, these two teams have been on Butler’s radar recently as well.
"Butler considered signing with the Heat and the champion Spurs when he was bought out by the Milwaukee Bucks in late February."
Butler averaged 10.5 points and 4.1 assists per game with the Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder last season.