NBA Rumors: Thunder, Clippers pursuing Caron Butler
By Sam Richmond
It sure seems likely that Caron Butler will be playing for an NBA contender this upcoming season
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The 34-year-old forward is being pursued by the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder, according to a report from Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
Sam Amick of USA Today Sports has reported in the past that the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat also have interest in Butler.
"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."
Although it’s been a while since Butler was a great player, it’s not surprising to see him so coveted. He’s still a talented player and showed last season with the Thunder that he could succeed as a contributor off the bench for a contending team.
For any one of the four contenders mentioned, Butler could be a solid offensive spark and floor spacer.
Butler averaged 9.7 points (40.9 percent shooting from the field and 44.1 percent shooting from outside), 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 22 games with Oklahoma City last year after he was bought out by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Butler has played for seven teams throughout his 12-year-career.
Be sure to keep up to date with the latest NBA free agency rumors right here.