Newly free-agent forward Caron Butler is expected to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder as Kevin Durant's primary backup.
After being bought out by his hometown Milwaukee Bucks, the 34-year-old veteran forward is expected to clear waivers by Saturday. The two-time defending champion Heat also expressed interest in Butler and at one point were considered the favorites to land him as insurance in their three-peat aspirations.
According to ESPN, Butler largely based his decision on his belief he might be able to earn more time in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder are perhaps expected to turn to a more small-ball approach with center Kendrick Perkins sidelined for up to six weeks by injury.
Despite battling a high ankle sprain injury most of the season, Butler averaged 11.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in 34 games for the Bucks. He has scored 17 or more points four times in his past 10 games. Over his 11-year career, Butler has averaged 16 points, five rebounds and three assists.
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