2010 Free Agent: Rasual Butler

[Bruno]

http://www.nba.com/media/act_rasual_butler.jpg
Born: May 23, 1979
Height: 6-7 / 2.01
Weight: 205 lbs. / 93.0 kg.
College: La Salle
Years Pro: 7

Info (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/rasual_butler/career_stats.html)

[Darkwaters]

I always thought Butler would make a good Spur. Good size for a 3 and very long. Plays decent defense and can stroke the 3. He could probably be had for cheap too.

[mountainballer]

agree.
he also brings very good size for a SF and decent length. (6'6.75'' without shoes, 7' wingspan).
but cheap? not sure. he made 4 million, I think he will command similar money and the Clippers will offer him such an extension. he played a more than decent season for them and they don't have a single wing under contract for next season.
(unless they want to use their cap space for a premium FA and renounce his rights, which is unlikely considering they have only 5 players under contract)

[TDMVPDPOY]

agree.
he also brings very good size for a SF and decent length. (6'6.75'' without shoes, 7' wingspan).
but cheap? not sure. he made 4 million, I think he will command similar money and the Clippers will offer him such an extension. he played a more than decent season for them and they don't have a single wing under contract for next season.
(unless they want to use their cap space for a premium FA and renounce his rights, which is unlikely considering they have only 5 players under contract)

doubt the clippers going spend 4m on him again, they need all the money to sign a max FA....

[mountainballer]

doubt the clippers going spend 4m on him again, they need all the money to sign a max FA....

just checked. Clippers can't sign a max FA. they will be 19-20 M under the cap, but have only 5 players under contract. cap holds for 8 players and the 1st round pick (#8, if they don't win the lottery again) will reduce the cap space to less than 12M.
aside the fact that the real good FAs won't line up to play for the Clippers, they are definitely not in the position to make a big play in this years FA. they will rather try to build some roster depth by re signing Butler, Outlaw and Blake and then they hope for Griffin, a further development of Gordon and a hit in the draft.

[timtonymanu]

I would only want this guy if RJ stays and Butler can be the back-up small forward.

[ace3g]

I would definitely be ok with the Spurs signing him, he is a good 3 point shooter, wouldn't have to play as many minutes as he did with the Clippers.

6'7 so again he is in that height range the Spurs should be looking for, he is a good defender.

Probably can be have for cheap

[Ditty]

i always liked butler he could be a good guy for the LLE

[DesignatedT]

he isn't a bad option. would rather roll with bell and butler than mason and bogans.

[Darkwaters]

I'm still a big fan of Rasual Butler. I'd be fine taking him in.

[EricB]

Would be the perfect replacement for roger mason. Good defender and good shooter. At times when going a game changing shooter. Fearless. Poor mans Stephen Jackson would be slightly exagerating but similar.

[Buddy Holly]

Yes please.

[BronxCowboy]

Shot selection is poor at times. Do you guys think this is a correctable problem at this point in his career?

[Darkwaters]

Shot selection is poor at times. Do you guys think this is a correctable problem at this point in his career?

I definitely take him. As a reserve shooter off the bench he could be awesome. Plus, he knows how to play D.

[Mr Bones]

Seems pretty likely someone will offer him at least 3 mil a year, which would put him out of reach unless Splitter decides to stay in Europe... in which case, I'd rather see the Spurs spend the MLE on a PF or C. I can see Dominic McQuire signing with the Spurs for the LLE, but not Butler.

[mountainballer]

agree that his market value likely is significantly above the LLE (I would guess he seeks at least 3 years and 10 million). but Spurs could at least try and offer it. remaining question: is he better than James Jones? Jones would sign for the LLE I assume (after being waived by the Heat), if not for the veteran minimum.

[TD 21]

They're comparable, only, like you said, Jones will likely be significantly cheaper, so I see him as the better fit. He's a better three-point shooter and a more noted defender, plus he has more defensive versatility. He can guard big three's, some two's and he's big enough to potentially guard some smaller, face up four's.

I actually think he's probably the best, realistic option available to fill this role for the Spurs. I was touting Bell for a long time and I wouldn't mind if the Spurs signed him but he's significantly smaller, will be more expensive and will likely expect at least a relatively significant/consistent role regardless of performance.

The thing I really like about Jones is the length. If the Spurs sign Splitter, draft a long three and sign Jones, they'd become a significantly longer team, which is something they've needed to do for a while.

[Spurs Brazil]

The Knicks have had internal discussions about shooting guard Rasual Butler, but they didn't have enough room

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/knicks_spy_russian_ptUJeyNeF9Q19RPLQbroKJ#ixzz0tNV eym8J

[DesignatedT]

Spurs should try to get this guy.

[coyotes_geek]

Shot selection is poor at times. Do you guys think this is a correctable problem at this point in his career?

No. But beggars can't be choosers. If he'll take LLE the Spurs have to put him near the top of their list.

Wouldn't be surprised to see someone else use part of their MLE on him though.

[lurker23]

Out of the somewhat realistic possibilities, Butler has been my favorite for a little while now. However, there are still two major problems:

1. I know market money is starting to dry up a little bit, but based on what others have gotten, I still suspect Butler will get an offer in the $2-3 million range, putting him out of reach for the Spurs.

2. Depending on how the salaries of Splitter/Bonner/Jefferson shake out, the Spurs might not be able to spend the LLE without going over the luxury tax, which I imagine is a fairly big deal for them at this point. If this is indeed the case, I expect them to try to survive with a 2/3 rotation consisting of some combination of Manu/Hill/Jefferson/Anderson/Hairston/Gee, unless the latter 3 are really underwhelming in some way over the offseason.

[FeZZy]

Would he take the rest of the MLE?

[siraulo23]

I think butler should be the spurs no.1 option to sign at the 3

[Bruno]

I think Butler is the most likely player to sign with Spurs:
- Josh Howard is a complicate case with his attitude and his injury.
- Raja Bell should go to a contender.
- Ronnie Brewer could be too expensive and really lack of a jump shot.
- Matt Barnes is crazy.
- James Jones should stay in Miami.

Butler woudl be a solid addition. Spurs can offer him a $7.8M/3 years contract which could be enough to get him.

[Marcus Bryant]

I think Butler is the most likely player to sign with Spurs:
- Josh Howard is a complicate case with his attitude and his injury.
- Raja Bell should go to a contender.
- Ronnie Brewer could be too expensive and really lack of a jump shot.
- Matt Barnes is crazy.
- James Jones should stay in Miami.

Butler woudl be a solid addition. Spurs can offer him a $7.8M/3 years contract which could be enough to get him.

Good points. Granted, we're hearing rumored interest from the Spurs in Bell which makes it seem like he's their primary target now, but that's only because he's more well known than Butler. Butler would be a nice fit as a backup 3. I'd like Bell + Butler, but that would be hard to pull off.

How much do you think a Tony Allen would cost?

[coyotes_geek]

Allen is off the market. Grizzlies got him for 3yrs/$10mil.

[Marcus Bryant]

Well, there we go. Spurs need a vet backup 2, IMO.

And, of course, the 3 spot is completely open.

[Bruno]

Good points. Granted, we're hearing rumored interest from the Spurs in Bell which makes it seem like he's their primary target now, but that's only because he's more well known than Butler. Butler would be a nice fit as a backup 3. I'd like Bell + Butler, but that would be hard to pull off.

If Spurs sign RJ, I don't think they should add 2 more vet wing. Signing RJ, Butler and Jefferson would put all the young players (Temple, Hairston, Gee and Anderson) in a situation where it would be almost impossible for them to get playing time. I would rather sign only RJ and Butler and give the young guys some playing time to develop their game.

And welcome back Marcus. :toast

[RiverwalkParade]

Butler is the answer

[Marcus Bryant]

Whatever championship window the Spurs have will close after next season, unless Splitter makes the transition well, Blair and Hill continue to progress, the team enjoys uncharacteristic health, and they are able to improve their team defense, in particular on the perimeter. Yes, there are quite a few young perimeter players, but I think in order for the wing rotation to improve, it needs to be more veteran than necessarily young.

Starters
2 Ginobili
3 Jefferson(?)

Bench
2 Bell (?)
2/3 Anderson
3 Butler(?)

[Bruno]

George Hill also plays significant minutes at the SG spot.

[Marcus Bryant]

If the Spurs want to develop their younger players, then they need to bite the bullet and start to rebuild. I don't see Pop having the patience to do so. He seems to only be able to handle one at a time and he is usually merciless with that player. He is good at preparing a team to win championships, not in teaching the game to rookies. There's a lot of Larry Brown in Pop's coaching methods and style. It takes a certain kind of player to respond to Pop's coaching, either a veteran who appreciates Pop's direct no BS style or a rookie who can handle being ridden by a coach day in and day out. Thankfully Parker and Hill now seem to have been able to handle that. Of course, there's always a DeJuan Blair, who so perplexes Pop that he doesn't know what to do with him.

[ChumpDumper]

George Hill also plays significant minutes at the SG spot.Yeah, I think the SG spot is pretty solid if Anderson plays as advertised. SF is a different story.

[ElNono]

If the Spurs want to develop their younger players, then they need to bite the bullet and start to rebuild. I don't see Pop having the patience to do so. He seems to only be able to handle one at a time and he is usually merciless with that player. He is good at preparing a team to win championships, not in teaching the game to rookies. There's a lot of Larry Brown in Pop's coaching methods and style. It takes a certain kind of player to respond to Pop's coaching, either a veteran who appreciates Pop's direct no BS style or a rookie who can handle being ridden by a coach day in and day out. Thankfully Parker and Hill now seem to have been able to handle that. Of course, there's always a DeJuan Blair, who so perplexes Pop that he doesn't know what to do with him.

Couldn't agree more. I'm even unsure how much patience Pop will have with Splitter this season considering he will make mistakes.

[siraulo23]

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[DesignatedT]

those are some nice vids.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I think Butler is the most likely player to sign with Spurs:
- Josh Howard is a complicate case with his attitude and his injury.
- Raja Bell should go to a contender.
- Ronnie Brewer could be too expensive and really lack of a jump shot.
- Matt Barnes is crazy.
- James Jones should stay in Miami.

Butler woudl be a solid addition. Spurs can offer him a $7.8M/3 years contract which could be enough to get him.

A bit late on the bandwagon, aren't you? :lol

I'm surprised we haven't locked him up already. I watched a fair bit of him over the last couple of years, and while he's nothing special, he plays good D and can hit the 3, which fills our need. Get him on board!

[ducks]

bell rumors
could help with the deal with bulter

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Of course, there's always a DeJuan Blair, who so perplexes Pop that he doesn't know what to do with him.

I think this is deserving of it's own thread, really but since you said it here I'll reply with my two cents...


The bottom line is that DeJuan Blair is the first out-of-the-gates lottery-level pick that the Spurs have had since Tim Duncan. Parker did not play out of the gates as a lottery-lock steal. He showed MAD promise, I will never forget, but not like a bunch of teams were fools. Same for Ginobili (although he is the most special of cases, and probably in a class of his own when it comes to rookies to this day).


DeJuan is obviously a lottery pick. He oozes talent from his pores. He's fucking bad ass. We got him in the second fucking round. I think this sheer contrast in pick position versus true value has even slapped Pop in the face and made him treat DeJuan differently.

The real question is whether or not Pop and the Spurs medical staff can properly let him come into his own as the new Malik Rose.

[siraulo23]

btw has there been any report that says spurs are interested in rasual butler?

[ElNono]

btw has there been any report that says spurs are interested in rasual butler?

No, and that's normally good news.

[8FOR!3]

I'm still not convinced that the Spurs are even interested in this guy, but nonetheless, you can count me in on the Rasual Butler bandwagon.

[Darkwaters]

I started the Rasual Butler bandwagon and I stand by it. Sign him up!

[FeZZy]

Is he the new target?

[mountainballer]

question is not, does he fit. question is, why would a player, who is just coming of his 2 best career seasons take a 50% pay cut to play a minor role on a team, that isn't even considered a contender?
IMO there is a reason why we didn't hear anything about interest from the Spurs. (other than Bell and Jones, who did receive offers from the Spurs)

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I started the Rasual Butler bandwagon and I stand by it. Sign him up!

I dispute that, but I'm not going to be an arsehole about it... :lol:


question is not, does he fit. question is, why would a player, who is just coming of his 2 best career seasons take a 50% pay cut to play a minor role on a team, that isn't even considered a contender?
IMO there is a reason why we didn't hear anything about interest from the Spurs. (other than Bell and Jones, who did receive offers from the Spurs)

True. Maybe he wants a place where he has an outside chance to win, and an organisation that will treat him well? Maybe he's 31 and no-one wants to offer him more than 2 years? Maybe we should offer him 4 years?

You're probably right that he'll sign for more elsewhere, but I'll keep hoping because I think he'd fill the SF hole beautifully whilst not commanding so much money that Pop would have to play him, which means the youth will get some blooding.

[mountainballer]

True. Maybe he wants a place where he has an outside chance to win, and an organisation that will treat him well? Maybe he's 31 and no-one wants to offer him more than 2 years? Maybe we should offer him 4 years?

You're probably right that he'll sign for more elsewhere, but I'll keep hoping because I think he'd fill the SF hole beautifully whilst not commanding so much money that Pop would have to play him, which means the youth will get some blooding.

I agree that if the Spurs offer a 3rd or even 4th year, they might come closer. I doubt they do. I can't see them hurt their flexibility for the 2012 summer by signing Butler. (ok, they signed Bonner fore more years, so the point is a bit shaky)
however, Butler is now the very last free agent on the market from the pool of somehow realistic and fitting players. let's see what happens.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I agree that if the Spurs offer a 3rd or even 4th year, they might come closer. I doubt they do. I can't see them hurt their flexibility for the 2012 summer by signing Butler. (ok, they signed Bonner fore more years, so the point is a bit shaky)
however, Butler is now the very last free agent on the market from the pool of somehow realistic and fitting players. let's see what happens.

For 2.3mil, I'm not too worried about cap flexibility. That is a contract that can be moved easily if necessary, because at the very least Butler is a capable shooter who can play 20mins a night, and he'll be able to do that for a few years yet.

I think I'd throw 3/4 years at him and see if he bites.

[elemento]

I don't see him coming for the money the we can offer.

[kobyz]

if money is problam to sign him we could do sign and trade using the unguaranteed contracts we have and also threw a second round pick, this wey we could get closer to MLE money!

[coyotes_geek]

The unguaranteed contracts don't add up to much more than what the MLE remainder is worth.

[Stump]

Who has the money and would pay a 30 year old more than 2.4 million? Anyone can play a big role with the Clippers. We'll see where he lands, but I'm hoping he signs up soon.
Have you seen the money getting flung around this summer? It's crazy. Every time I think it's about to chill out, some stupid team comes in and throws $5 million a year at some scrub.

[kobyz]

The unguaranteed contracts don't add up to much more than what the MLE remainder is worth.

i think it could give more than 4 million in a trade!

[coyotes_geek]

i think it could give more than 4 million in a trade!

Hairston+Gee+Temple+Jerrells = $3.1 mil.

[kobyz]

Hairston+Gee+Temple+Jerrells = $3.1 mil.

762,195 * 3 + 854,389 = 3,140,974

3,140,974 * 125% = 3,926,217

3,926,217 +100,000 = 4,026,217

it could give 4,026,217$ in a trade!!

[K-State Spur]

Have you seen the money getting flung around this summer? It's crazy. Every time I think it's about to chill out, some stupid team comes in and throws $5 million a year at some scrub.

In fairness, most of the money throwing around is hitting younger, higher ceiling athletes that have proven themselves (and some never will).

With a few exceptions, teams have been a little more disciplined when it comes to retread veteran role players.

[5in10]

Would love him or Josh Howard as a backup, but at this point it seems more likely that we develop Gee and Hairston. If that doesn't work out we can always get someone via trade.

[coyotes_geek]

762,195 * 3 + 854,389 = 3,140,974

3,140,974 * 125% = 3,926,217

3,926,217 +100,000 = 4,026,217

it could give 4,026,217$ in a trade!!

Brain fart on my end. You're correct.

[DesignatedT]

I could see the Kings signing Butler. I'm calling that now.

[5in10]

I could see the Kings signing Butler. I'm calling that now.

Don't they already have Donte Green who is a similar player to butler?

[Anonymous Cowherd]

Hairston+Gee+Temple+Jerrells = $3.1 mil.

surely it would be a terrible idea giving up all 4 of them just to get a 30-year-old who won't be starting?

[coyotes_geek]

surely it would be a terrible idea giving up all 4 of them just to get a 30-year-old who won't be starting?

I agree with you that it's not a very likely scenario, but capwise it would work.

[ace3g]

him and Nachbar are the last 2 SF available, hopefully the Spurs can sign one of these 2 players.

Also hopefully the Cavs don't go after Butler now that they struck out with Barnes.

[timtonymanu]

Butler is going to Cleveland, imo.

[ace3g]

he is going to make his "decision" soon, according to his twitter

# Thank u too all those who support me and appreciate my game! Thank so much! Clipnation def is an option because I love my teammates and fans 15 minutes ago via UberTwitter

# Which has always been the case for me so I always have a chip on my shoulder that has just grew bigger thank God for that fire! 17 minutes ago via UberTwitter

# I bring a skill to the game that's at a premium in our league today... and I feel as though I've proved myself a lil not get the respect lol 18 minutes ago via UberTwitter

# I can say to u twamily that I have been ok in my career not as good as I like and its time to go to another level! I feel as though I'm 20 minutes ago via UberTwitter

# Prayed on it and Gods will shall be done sometime today I will post where that will be! 35 minutes ago via UberTwitter

# Where I'm wanted and respected for what I do bring to the table and knowing I had a late start in my career so I haven't peaked yet! So I 36 minutes ago via UberTwitter

# Twamily getting close to making my decision about where I will play next season! I've been patient waiting for the rt opportunity to play 38 minutes ago via UberTwitter

# Thought it was true love but u know women lie! Yeah my heart Big But it Beat Quite now! Duces! They always miss u when u gone always lol! 40 minutes ago via UberTwitter

http://twitter.com/RasualButler45

[elemento]

Clippers got Ryan Gomes for his place. And they also have the draft pick, Aminu. They are high on Aminu.

I don't think Butler is going to get back to LAC.

[ace3g]

Teams I've heard are interested: Bulls, Celtics, Cavs

Hopefully the Spurs are in the mix

[ace3g]

ChrisMannixSI

I refer you to @KCJHoop @ace3g: @ChrisMannixSI hear anything about Rasual Butler, said on his twitter today he will make his decision soon

___

hopefully this doesn't mean he is going to the Bulls,

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

We have re-signed RJ, so there's no way we're also going after Butler. The backup SF will be Hairston or Gee, and so it should be. Give the kids a chance to play and develop.

My hope was for Butler as the starter, and I reckon he'd do a better job than RJ will do, but the FO went for RJ, so what can you do but hope for the best?

[Blackjack]

The salary cap is $58,044,000.

Take RJ out of the equation ...


Spurs situation regarding the luxury tax:

Players with guaranteed contracts
Duncan + Parker + Ginobili + McDyess + Blair + Hill : $50.82M
Matt Bonner: $3M
Tiago Splitter: $3.4M
Richard Jefferson: $8.4M
Gary Neal: $.85M (against the tax)

$66.47M for 10 players

James Anderson will likely be signed. His salary will be between $0.91M and $1.36M.

Spurs payroll will be between $67.38M and $67.83M for 11 players. Spurs are between $2.48M and $2.93M.

... and you get $58,070,000 (salary cap: $58,044,000)

That was the catch-22 with RJ. For as flawed as he might be and for as much as I've been critical of the guy, the Spurs would've been left with Malik probably starting at the 3 -- and God knows I love Malik but I'm not delusional. A lot of it's tongue in cheek, even if I am a fan and do believe in his ability to play a role and be a real contributor to the team.

Butler made $3,945,000 last year. The Spurs couldn't match that with what's left of their exceptions had RJ went elsewhere. And maybe the opportunity to start for the Spurs would be tempting but I find it hard to believe that a player of his age is looking to take less on a team that's not viewed as a contender by a lot of players. If the Spurs could throw the cash and a starting spot, then I'd say there's a chance. But they don't have the starting role now and they were never going to have the cash whether RJ resigned or not.

[Spurs Brazil]

Lisa Dillman: Clipper news: Drum roll please ... Rasual Butler returning to Clippers next year, according to sources of reallisa

Lisa Dillman: Should clarify one of those last tweets. Butler returning NEXT season, let's not jump too far ahead. I mean, gotta take it season by season.

Read more: http://hoopshype.com/twitter_media.html#ixzz0udv5o4eK

[Blackjack]

He's going back to the Clippers, reportedly. They actually have money.

[benefactor]

Sure do...and we have Big Contract Dick in the second year. No need for scrubs like Butler.

[ace3g]

Just a heads up, it is likely that the Clippers are not interested. They renounced his rights.

damn, you got my hopes up, I didn't even consider the Clippers a team interested.

Oh well on to the next SF FA

[siraulo23]

link?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

www.twitter.com/reallisa

Butler going back to Clippers.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Fuck. Butler signed for 1 year. :rolleyes

If we had thrown 7.5/3 at him, he probably would have jumped at it, and he could have started instead of RJ, while leaving us with the flexibility to upgrade at the SF whenever we like. Instead we're throwing 40mil at a guy who is only marginally better than Butler, and who doesn't fit the team the way Butler would have.

:pctoss