The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as a strong suitor for free agent forward Caron Butler, according to a source. Butler, the Mavericks’ forward who is coming off a knee injury suffered on New Year’s Day that caused him to miss the rest of last season, is one of the most sought-after small forwards in free agency. He is currently being pursued by the Heat, Bulls, Spurs, Clippers, Nets, Pistons and Bucks, according to the source. The Sacramento Kings were also initially interested in Butler, but have fallen off the hunt in the last couple of days. Butler, who works out in Chicago in the offseason with trainer Tim Grover, is expected to meet with the Bulls sometime in the next few days before making a decision on where he wants to go. Butler could still re-sign with Dallas, but the Mavericks apparently have concerns about their status as a luxury tax payer going forward. With several other free agents to also decide on, including center Tyson Chandler and guards J.J. Barea and DeShawn Stevenson, the Mavs won’t be able to keep all of them. San Antonio could be looking for a replacement for veteran Richard Jefferson, who has struggled in his first two seasons there after being acquired in the summer of 2009. Butler would be a perfect fit in the no-nonsense Spurs’ locker room, and with Tim Duncan entering the last year of his contract, and guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili on the backside of their careers, San Antonio is preparing to transition quickly from the post-Duncan era with a new core group including guard Gary Neal, center Tiago Splitter, forward/center DeJuan Blair and rookie forward Kawhi Leonard, acquired in a Draft night trade with Indiana for guard George Hill. Looks like RJ,Blair, and Mcdyess's expiring contract will be traded for a big man.
Huh that's weird. Cuban's spared no expense this past decade but then decides to pinch pennies just when he won his trophy? If I were him I'd keep Butler just to piss the Spurs off. He paid 10M to Haywood to sit on the bench all season long, don't know why he can't do the same thing to Butler. Plus, Marion might get injured so you never know.
Due to his injury, Butler wasn't a significant contributer to the championship run; where as Chandler, JJ & Stevenson were. Cuban'll spend on those 3 first and then see if he has anything left over for Butler.
They wanted Richard Jefferson he gave them NOTHING. Now they try Butler comming off a serious surgery. This may end up ugly for the Spurs, again.
daldridgetnt David Aldridge Caron Butler itinerary: CHI Mon, LAC Mon night/Tue, SAS Tue, NJ Wed, DET Thursday if he hasn't made up his mind yet...
Spurs need a center who can let Duncan rest, not another SG. Plus, why would Butler go to SA to backup Manu? He can go to an actual "contender" and start in Chicago. Spurs are just 1st or 2nd round fodders at this point.
The Spurs were the WC no.1 seed last season. Jefferson was the only one who didn't show up in the playoffs.
They did trade for Rudy Fernandez in the off-season. We all know how he likes to whine when he's on a overcrowded roster.
There is alot of Speculation that Spurs may have a deal that involves RJ, Blair or Mcdyess, and 1st rounder for a big man. Butler will be the starting small forward with Kawhi Leonard,Josh Howard or Vince Cater backing him up. Michael Lee Busy week for Josh Howard: He will visit SAS on Tues. Plans to visit CHI, NJN & #wizards, though the dates haven't been set. Splitter/Duncan/Blair or Mcdyess/New big man/Possible big man for minimum would be a good playoff contender. I don't expect my Spurs to go no far then the WCF this year.
The Mavs should concentrate on Butler more then Chandler. Even without Chandler, they have Haywood and Mahinmi to play Center. But without Butler they have a huge hole SF. That was their only weakness last season. If they are really worried about the loss of Chandler then they can pick up a vet like Pryzbilla, Foster or Kurt Thomas. As for the others, they have Roddy Beabuis who can replace Barea. Corey Brewer can do everything Stevenson does but better. Mahinmi can hold his own and will improve with time. Kidd/Roddy Fernandez/Terry Butler/Brewer Dirk/Marion Haywood/Mahinmi/Pryzbilla This team can make the Finals again if they play with same self belief and dedication.
Wow Spurs are just getting older and older. They need big men who are too banged up and can defend, Or else they will never get past Memphis with Gasol and Zach Randolf
They won the chip WITHOUT Butler, right? I reckon they should go for someone like T-Mac or Tayshaun Prince. They owned the Lakers and Portland with Peja. Now they have Fernandez to replace Peja they need another all-rounder to help out dishing the ball and create some offense while defending respectably at his spot. Butler never seemed like a great fit with the Mavs anyways.
If I were the Mavs I'd keep Chandler at all costs. Great centres are almost impossible to find nowadays.
