Jared Butler is expected to be a hot commodity after being released by the Washington Wizards on Saturday. Butler was an unexpected cut as teams worked their way down to the 18-player limit, including three two-way deals, as the Wizards were reportedly looking to keep the 24-year-old combo guard.
“Washington also has to consider avenues to keep Jared Butler, which could result in the Wizards cutting former lottery pick Johnny Davis, NBA Insider Jake Fisher said. “Washington is not expected to exercise Davis’ fourth-year option, per sources, but the Wizards could also use his $5.3M salary in trades this year.”
Recently Waived Guard Expected To Garner Lots Of Interest On Open Market, Could Return To Washington
At the start of training camp, Washington had 16 players on standard deals. While 15 of the players had fully guaranteed deals, Butler’s contract was only partially guaranteed. Keith Smart of Sportac reported that the Wizards explored the market to find a trade involving a player like Johnny Davis or Patrick Baldwin Jr. However, Smart added that the Wizards weren’t willing to give up a draft pick to move off either player or to eat money this early in the season by cutting one of them.
Butler had his two-way contract converted to a standard contract in April. His new contract was for three years worth $5.8 million, but only $1.25 million was guaranteed.
Butler appeared in 40 contests for Washington, the third team the 6-3 combo guard has played for, last season. He posted career numbers with the Wizards: 6.3 points and 3.2 assists in just 15 minutes while shooting 45.3/32.8/80.8. He scored in double figures on seven occasions, including one 20-point game, and recorded a double-double.
The NBA has a 48-hour window during which players can be claimed, and Butler is considered a candidate to find a team that way. Butler is also considered a candidate for a two-way spot, including returning to the Wizards on that deal. If Butler signs a two-way deal, he must clear waivers, which won’t be until Monday afternoon.
Where Could Butler End Up?
Butler had an outstanding preseason. Despite only playing 15 minutes a game, Butler compiled 6.8 points, 4.2 dimes, and 1.6 turnovers with a shooting slash line of 53.6/50/66.7. He scored in double-figures and scored at least five assists in the final two preseason games.
As it currently stands, 15 NBA teams seemingly have their roster sets, as these teams have 15 players on standard deals and all three of their roster spots filled. But that doesn’t mean these teams won’t make a move, particularly with a two-way contract. While two-way deals are guaranteed, they are cheap and do not cost teams cap room.
Eleven teams carry 14 players on standard contracts and three on two-way deals. Of the 11 squads, Boston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Sacramento are expected to keep some flexibility and start the season with one player less than the maximum. Meanwhile, Golden State is up against the first tax apron, where the Warriors are hard-capped, so they will likely pass.
Teams Who Could Be Interested
Phoenix is way over the second apron, so the Suns are likely out, and Memphis is barely under the luxury tax. That leaves Detroit, New York, Cleveland, and Houston as the teams most likely to add a player.
The Pistons have agreed to two-way deals with Alondes Williams and Cole Swider. They perhaps make the most sense as they are $10 million below the NBA salary cap. While Ausar Thompson‘s status is still up in the air, another guard is not necessarily a priority.
New York is expected to enter the regular season with 12 players, as permitted by league rules, and carry that few players for the first few weeks. That leaves the Cavaliers and Rockets as the most likely teams to place a waiver claim or sign Butler.
Cleveland doesn’t have a true point guard on the roster besides Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers will also likely not have Max Strus (sprained right ankle) for the first two months of the season. However, Caris LeVert and Ty Jerome are capable of filling in at point guard in emergencies. The Cavs are a tax team, though they have enough space to sign another veteran while remaining considerable flexibility.
Houston is well below the luxury tax line. While the Rockets have plenty of depth in the backcourt, they could use another guard in case of injuries. At the very least, Butler would be an upgrade over Jeenathan Williams, who is one of three players on a two-way deal with the Rockets.
Washington is among a few teams with an open two-way spot. Charlotte and Orlando also have open minor-league spots.
