The Los Angeles Clippers on Friday announced the signing of free agent forward Caron Butler to a contract. The deal is worth a reported $24 million over three years, per Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
"Caron completes what we believe to be a playoff caliber starting lineup," said Clippers' Vice President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey in a statement. "His professionalism, leadership abilities and basketball skills are an excellent addition to our existing roster composition and another step in building the culture necessary to create a model of sustainable success."
Butler averaged 15.0 points and 4.1 rebounds last season for the Dallas Mavericks but after starting the first 29 games of the regular season Butler ruptured his right patellar tendon and missed the remainder of the season. Butler, 31, has averaged 16.6 points per game during his nine-year career. The Clippers are Butler's fifth NBA team.
He is expected to start at small forward, joining a front court that includes reigning rookie of the year Blake Griffin and centers Chris Kaman and possibly DeAndre Jordan, who is a restricted free agent.
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