Clippers officially sign Caron Butler

[mkwest]

Also, we had to act fast on signing Caron. With GSW giving DJ as starting salary of $10M, that means that we'd only have $2-3M in cap space once the offer sheet was made. Getting a deal done quickly allowed us to maximize our cap space.

[donemilio21]

Also, we had to act fast on signing Caron. With GSW giving DJ as starting salary of $10M, that means that we'd only have $2-3M in cap space once the offer sheet was made. Getting a deal done quickly allowed us to maximize our cap space.

That's a valid point. We probably could have only offered a midlevel exception after matching offer for DJ.
But personally I'd rather overpay Tayshaun then Butler. Tayshaun is a solid defender, better ball mover. they are also same age, but Butler has no guarantee that he is gonna play more than 20 games a game. Prince never gets injured.
I guess if we could somehow get Paul or Deron, Mo would be the getting amnestied with his $8,5 mil salary. We might be even able to trade Gomes since his $4mil a year salary would be easily movable.

[donemilio21]

wait a minute though. if we extend EJ before the summer, we will have $57-58mil (not including this years and next years draft picks) commited by the end of this season, so even if we amnesty Mo and trade Gomes, we wont be able sign a max FA.
Can we not extend EJ, let him become a RFA, sign a max FA and then match the max offer that EJ gets from another team? Does CBA allow that?

[mkwest]

wait a minute though. if we extend EJ before the summer, we will have $57-58mil (not including this years and next years draft picks) commited by the end of this season, so even if we amnesty Mo and trade Gomes, we wont be able sign a max FA.
Can we not extend EJ, let him become a RFA, sign a max FA and then match the max offer that EJ gets from another team? Does CBA allow that?

If we match DJ's offer sheet and sign no other players, we'll have a team salary of about $64M. If we wait until next summer to re-up EJ (instead of extending him now), we'll have approximately $7.1M in cap space. For that figure, I have included a $3.5M hold for the Minnesota pick (approximately 3rd pick). If we use the amnesty on Mo and remove his $8.5M salary next summer, we'll have $15.6M in cap space. We'd have to then move Gomes or Aminu in order to free up enough space for a max player. If we get a SF in the draft, then we could give up Aminu for a future 1st or something and have approximately $18.6M in cap space minus 2 roster charges (rookie minimum). A max player would be worth 30% of the salary cap which would be $18.3M. If we waived our unguaranteed players (e.g. Warren, Thompkins, Leslie), we'd be able to free up about $900K.

So, it is feasible to have max cap space provided we wait on re-signing EJ.

[donemilio21]

wait a minute though. if we extend EJ before the summer, we will have $57-58mil (not including this years and next years draft picks) commited by the end of this season, so even if we amnesty Mo and trade Gomes, we wont be able sign a max FA.
Can we not extend EJ, let him become a RFA, sign a max FA and then match the max offer that EJ gets from another team? Does CBA allow that?

If we match DJ's offer sheet and sign no other players, we'll have a team salary of about $64M. If we wait until next summer to re-up EJ (instead of extending him now), we'll have approximately $7.1M in cap space. For that figure, I have included a $3.5M hold for the Minnesota pick (approximately 3rd pick). If we use the amnesty on Mo and remove his $8.5M salary next summer, we'll have $15.6M in cap space. We'd have to then move Gomes or Aminu in order to free up enough space for a max player. If we get a SF in the draft, then we could give up Aminu for a future 1st or something and have approximately $18.6M in cap space minus 2 roster charges (rookie minimum). A max player would be worth 30% of the salary cap which would be $18.3M. If we waived our unguaranteed players (e.g. Warren, Thompkins, Leslie), we'd be able to free up about $900K.

So, it is feasible to have max cap space provided we wait on re-signing EJ.

You should start a Salary Cap consulting business

[mkwest]

You should start a Salary Cap consulting business

lol it would be nice.

[mkwest]

CLIPPERS SIGN FREE AGENT FORWARD CARON BUTLER

The Los Angeles Clippers today signed two-time NBA All-Star Caron Butler as a free agent. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not announced.

“Caron completes what we believe to be a playoff caliber starting lineup,” stated Vice President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey. “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, 30, averaged 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 29 games last season for the Dallas Mavericks, starting the first 29 games of 2010 before suffering a ruptured right patellar tendon, which forced him to miss the remainder of the season.

In a related move the Clippers renounced their rights to free agents Ike Diogu, Jamario Moon and Craig Smith.

Clippers.com

[playaloc916]

Clips offered Prince a 3yr deal, probably close to what Butler got. Prince didn't want to go back home, citing distractions at home being an issue.

What a load of crap. He'd rather play with the Pistons, and their Charlie V's and Ben Gordon's, than to play with Blake and Eric Gordon? Continue with a mediocre team than with an up and coming team?

Distractions my ass. He could've been a key part of something special. Well, maybe he's just really loyal and wants to retire with the team that drafted him.

[illastrate]

Clips offered Prince a 3yr deal, probably close to what Butler got. Prince didn't want to go back home, citing distractions at home being an issue.

Did we overpay for Butler? A little bit. But generally, in Free agency, you have to overpay to snag a player. It's a good signing. He's a HUGE upgrade over Gomes. Everyone knows Aminu is not ready. If Gomes isn't amnestied, bump Aminu to 2nd string.

As for FA in 2012, we'll have more than enough money for a max slot if we amnestied Gomes. Even more so if we waited and amnestied Mo Williams.

We offered a 3-year deal? I thought it was only for 1 year.

@ramonashelburne
ramonashelburne
Clippers-Tayshaun Prince talked about a three-year deal. Not a one year deal. Please note the correction

https://twitter.com/#!/ramonashelburne/ ... 2637854721

[NiqtheAntiq]

Tay would have been a better pickup for this team considering he could help mold Aminu into the player we eventually want, someone who plays big minutes, but doesn't always need the ball, can play some spot,pesky defense and keep his hands clogging up the passing lanes.

The Caron deal is basically a C grade type deal, not great and not horrible. Sterling didn't want to give Tay that big a contract. Surprised Detroit resigned him though, I guess they still can trade him midseason in a package or its just that Joe D wants to keep someone from the magical 2004 title run on the team at all costs

[og15]

Don't mind Caron, but I'm not a huge fan either. Not sure I would have liked to pay him this much, but especially since the DeAndre situation was not finalized, something had to be done. He's consistently injury prone. Even if he's fully recovered from his most recent injury, throughout his career, he's consistently had different little injuries that take him out for about 15 games a season.

EJ's health consistency is still up in the air, and Kaman has had it rough the past few seasons, so I'm not a huge fan of getting a guy that averages about 65 games a year, but it's better than nothing I suppose. And to be fair, if he's healthy, he's a good piece, but he hasn't proven health for a long time.

In regards to his 3PT shooting, last season is not a good example because it was 29 games. Caron is not a 43.1% shooter as of right now, he's more of a low 30% 3PT shooter. Outside of last seasons 29 games, he's shot over 34% two other times and has generally been an inconsistent 3PT shooter.

With Mo Williams at the PG spot instead of Baron though, and with him and EJ being very good 3PT shooters, one guy that doesn't shoot three's at a great clip is fine. Also he's a very, very, very good long mid-range shooter.

Averages abut 6-7 attempts a game from there, and here are his numbers:
2007: 6.7 FGA / 43.0% FG
2008: 5.9 FGA / 41.0% FG
2009: 5.6 FGA / 38.0% FG
2010 (WAS): 6.9 FGA / 43.0% FG
2010 (DAL): 6.0 FGA / 48.0% FG
2011: 5.9 FGA / 45.0% FG

So if you're wondering where most of his shots will come from, it is from 16-23 feet. He's been excellent in that range for a while, actually one of the best in the league. He's also done well whether he's creating those, or being assisted on them.

[jflipclip]

He's a good ballhandler, and thats one of our greatest needs. Gomes and Aminu lacked that. EJ is average and Foye is a hit or miss (can get hot, but can also make bad decisions). Now with Caron in the lineup, we have someone that can take someone 1-on-1, hit the jumpshot, postup small defenders, etc. Gomes would roll for jump shots and miss them and Aminu would run the floor and/or would be open for a 3 (was making them early last season, but fell off) so I definitely think Butler is an upgrade.

I like this signing and I preferred it over Prince. My second choice to make this a toss-up would've been Jefferson. Jefferson pretty much offers the same thing minus the injury risk.

[og15]

Caron is an above average ball handler at SF, I wouldn't call him "good" and then call EJ "average", but he can use his handles effectively to create shots. Jefferson is not as good of a ball handler, but his three is more consistent and generally better, and he's played 82 games for 4 straight seasons.

The Spurs aren't going to amnesty Jefferson until they get a viable SF replacement though, so waiting for that is not the best option.

I healthy, Josh Howard also isn't bad, and he's who the Spurs are looking at to replace Jefferson. His handles are pretty good, but he's a guy that doesn't create much for others, while Jefferson and Caron have shown the ability/willingness to do so.

If the Clippers get 77+ games of Caron throughout his contract, then things are really good.

[Ranma]

While I wasn't initially enamored with Caron Butler's arrival despite being content with it, it seems that he's now become under-rated around here. Health is obviously an issue, but going beyond that, this guy brings quite a bit to the table. Here is a fan-made highlight video:

YOUTUBE: Caron Butler- Paralyzer

What strikes me is that in addition to his deadly mid-range shot and capable 3-point range, he is a proficient dunker in traffic, has good hands on defense, and employs very good dribble moves to free himself up in isolation plays. Al-Farouq Aminu could benefit a lot from CB5 if he were to incorporate these same attributes into his own game.

He may not fit the ideal mold of a small forward but he brings quite a lot of the qualities we've been lacking from that position. Like I've said before, he is the modern-day version of the Cuttino Mobley signing for us and we should be grateful to have him.

[mkwest]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf-C_2BooWI[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73e60gK3cVc[/youtube]

Ranma, these are the videos that you posted.

I was watching some clips of Butler the other night. I was specifically looking for a mix of him on the Mavs, but it was primarily the Wizards.

I think he'll be a player that the fans will appreciate having on the team (as long as he's in uniform and not a suit). The fact that Gomes may be playing more power forward is just another positive of having Butler. He's had most of his success as a 4 and will be able to better exploit match-ups. Butler is going to bring some swag, versatility, defensive toughness and another threat that will keep the defenses honest. He knows that the ball will be primarily in the hands of Gordon and Griffin, but he's not afraid to step up and provide that offensive punch if it's necessary.

[Ranma]

Ranma, these are the videos that you posted.

I was watching some clips of Butler the other night. I was specifically looking for a mix of him on the Mavs, but it was primarily the Wizards.

I think he'll be a player that the fans will appreciate having on the team (as long as he's in uniform and not a suit). The fact that Gomes may be playing more power forward is just another positive of having Butler. He's had most of his success as a 4 and will be able to better exploit match-ups. Butler is going to bring some swag, versatility, defensive toughness and another threat that will keep the defenses honest. He knows that the ball will be primarily in the hands of Gordon and Griffin, but he's not afraid to step up and provide that offensive punch if it's necessary.

Thanks, mkwest. I missed the "youtube" button in the editor. Yeah, I was hoping to find more highlights of him in a Mavs uniform to get a better feel of what he's capable nowadays, but I totally agree with you about his making Gomes more valuable as a bench player rather than a starter. All those attributes you mentioned are welcomed additions to this team...health permitting.

[azncorruptedo17]

Gomes did a great job defending, all you can really ask from a non-elite 3man is to be able to defend the 3man superstar well.

We now have 2 defenders that can handle the 3/4 positions if needed! Although overpaid, def fills our SF void until Aminu develops or we get harrison barnes or Gilchrist with minny's pick o.O

[og15]

Yup, like I said, Tough Juice is nice, can't hate on him in terms of his on court ability, it's his ability to stay healthy that's actually the problem.

[mkwest]

Caron Butler: Joining Clippers was a 'no-brainer'

Here are some highlights from his interview at the team's media day Tuesday.

On what the Clippers' Mo Williams said to him while he was visiting the San Antonio Spurs: "Sign the contract" with the Clippers.

On the Clippers' strengths: "The strengths is we got a great young nucleus, obviously we have Blake Griffin, one of the best in the game right now at his position, and we're building around him, and we look forward to winning a lot of games."

On the fact that he signed with the team when there were still a lot of variables, including whether DeAndre Jordan would return: "We knew DeAndre would be back. He's an important asset to this team. He was one of the reasons why I definitely came back. With him and Blake patrolling and controlling the paint, along with Chris Kaman, special group.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md70_PVFmwE[/youtube]

Melissa Rohlin, LA Times