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The Milwaukee Bucks are expected to make 13-year veteran small forward Caron Butler available, and there will be a handful of teams after him. Most teams would probably seek Butler for a back up role, potentially adding some firepower to their lineup. Butler is a career double-digit scorer (14.3 points per game), and included in the list of teams reportedly interested in him is the New York Knicks.
According to Kurt Helin of Pro Basketball Talk, the Knicks are included in a bevy of teams that would bring Butler in. The Knicks as presently constituted are inexperienced, so Phil Jackson would be wise to add some capable veterans. The Knicks are reportedly likely to sign David West, and Butler would be a similar type of acquisition.
Butler’s role with the Knicks would depend on who else they end up acquiring through free agency. Butler wouldn’t be an ideal guy to rely on as a starter, but he could make spot starts situationally. He would, however, be an ideal guy to come off the bench and provide scoring. He’s a good three-point shooter, and he could be used to back up Carmelo Anthony or play alongside him if Anthony slides to power forward.
Similar to the potential signing of West, the Knicks would need to focus on getting Butler for the right price. He’s not worth a large contract at this point. If they can work out a deal to get Butler on board near the veteran’s minimum, he could provide some serious value to the Knicks, who are desperately trying to return to relevancy.
Patrick Piascik is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @patrickpiascik.
