Free agent forward Caron Butler will reportedly sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder if he clears waivers. Butler had also drawn interest from the Miami Heat, with whom he started his NBA career with as a rookie.
The Milwaukee Bucks waived Butler on Thursday after reaching a buyout agreement with the veteran. If Butler clears waivers, as expected, he will reportedly sign with the Thunder because of the possibility of meaningful playing time.
"Free-agent forward Caron Butler intends to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder," ESPN's Brian Windhorst wrote on Friday. "... The Thunder might be able to give Butler more playing time as a backup to Kevin Durant. Oklahoma City, which is without center Kendrick Perkins for up to six weeks, could use more smaller lineups the rest of the season, which may open up chances for Butler."
The Heat were believed to be a serious contender for Butler's services, according to multiple reports. Butler played his first two seasons in Miami and remains close friends with Heat star Dwyane Wade.
A report on Sunday from the Miami Herald indicated the Heat locker room would prefer to sign Butler over free agent Danny Granger, who reportedly angered the Heat stars during the 2012 playoffs.
Butler, 34, was averaging 11.0 points and 4.6 rebounds this season for Milwaukee. A high ankle sprain has limited him to just 34 games.
Butler clears waivers at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday.
