Fourteen-year NBA veteran Caron Butler is rumored to be expressing interest in joining the New York Knicks next season as he reportedly commended the moves the Big Apple squad had made during the offseason.
Fansided reported that the 36-year-old two-time NBA All-Star "loves the moves that the Knicks have made" this summer and would be eager to join head coach Jeff Hornacek's squad "if they inquired of his services".
Butler suited up in 17 games for the Sacramento Kings last season and averaged career lows of 3.7 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists as he was only fielded in for 10.4 minutes a night by then head coach George Karl.
The 2011 NBA champion (with the Dallas Mavericks) opted in his contract with the Kings this 2016-2017 during the summer, but he was subsequently released by Sacramento early last month as the two parties reached a buyout agreement.
At the moment, Butler is a free agent and there are no reports of teams that are interested in acquiring him for the coming season.
Butler's career averages are 14.1 points, 5.0 boards, and 2.3 dimes in 32.2 minutes of playing time per night. His best season was with the Washington Wizards in 2008-2009 when he produced 20.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game as a starter.
The Knicks have made a lot of moves this summer and most notable of which is the trade that sent former league MVP Derrick Rose to the squad. New York also snagged shooting guard Courtney Lee, point guard Brandon Jennings, and Rose's Bulls teammate, center Joakim Noah, which reportedly made a lot of Big Apple fans excited.
Chat Sports Net indicated that Butler was "intrigued by the moves" and that he could play as a backup shooting guard or small forward to spell either Rose, Lee, or Carmelo Anthony.
The report noted, though, that signing Butler could be a "step back" for the rebuilding franchise, since they will have to "sacrifice a roster spot" just to sign an aging star that is evidently in the twilight of his career.
However, Butler could definitely upgrade the Knicks bench and give the team more veteran locker room leadership as well.
