Heat Lose Out On Caron Butler
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Miami Heat lost out on an unrestricted free agent Friday when Caron Butler chose to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Multiple reports stated that Butler would choose between the Heat and the Thunder after his contract was bought out in Milwaukee, which happened Thursday.
Butler chose Oklahoma City because he will have a more meaningful role with the Thunder and likely play more minutes. Butler has improved his three-point shooting in recent years, but his defense has waned the last few seasons.
The ex-Heat player started his career in Miami in 2002 and played with both Udonis Haslem and Dwyane Wade. Butler and Wade remain close to this day.
With Butler, Danny Granger, and Glen Davis all off the market, the Heat may not add any other players by Saturday's deadline.
A player must be added to the roster by Saturday in order to play in the playoffs.
One name that could be interesting that may become available is Charlotte Hornets guard Ben Gordon. He could provide an extra layer of protection should Wade need to rest more heading into the playoffs.