Report: Spurs interested in Caron Butler

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Could another veteran small forward be coming to the San Antonio Spurs? Ken Berger of CBS Sports tweeted Tuesday the Spurs were one of six teams to express interest in the Dallas Mavericks’ free agent Caron Butler.

“Six teams have expressed early interest in UFA Caron Butler: Nets, Clippers, Bulls, Heat, Spurs and Knicks, per sources. #NBA”

Berger followed up that tweet by saying that the Mavs and Butler’s agent have also talked about the forward’s return. Interesting to see the Spurs mentioned as a team interested in Butler since they already have three small forwards on their roster. The Nets and Clippers have the most cap space for Butler, while Miami, Chicago and New York are all more appealing destinations than San Antonio, but all of those teams have other needs. Berger also tweeted the Nets and Clippers will first try to land a big fish whether it be via free agency or trade, while the Heat and Knicks are likely to chase a big man before a small forward.

It’d be a curious move for the Spurs to sign Butler while they have Richard Jefferson and Kawhi Leonard as well. As I wrote earlier, Jefferson could be a goner via amnesty to get the Spurs under the luxury tax, which would allow them to use the full Mid-Level Exception. But isn’t the bigger need at the 4 or 5 spots? Is a Jefferson trade in the works? All that being said, Butler would fit the Spurs model really well if he were signed. Stay tuned, looks like the Spurs may be more active in free agency than some of us originally thought.

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