http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/16/arenas-going-back-to-having-fun/ For all the Butler fans on this board this has to give a little glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe .... Looks like the SJAx trade may open the flood gates for teams to start the desperation and lost cause trades.
Butler could be a really nice addition. But he is having a crappy year so far and he totally mailed it in on defense last year which give me some pause when it comes to his professionalism (sort of). If the Wiz continue to struggle he seems like the kind of player they might be willing to part with in order to get under the cap (or closer to the cap) if it looks like their core isn't going to be getting it done. Clearly if we were to get him it means Rudy and Martell would have to be moved at a minimum and it's hard to say what else we might have that would tempt Washington. Maybe this is the kind of lopsided deal KP was hoping might present itself; some playoff hopeful faltering early and realizing that they need to blow it up. pros: can be a go to scorer has been a good distributor and creator has played good D in the past legitimate second or third option on offense would help consolidate our talent and tighten the rotation cons: poor 3 point shooter, especially the last couple of years I wonder about his commitment and professionalism a little How does he fit in a starting offense already somewhat devoid of perimeter threats.
And another nice thing about Butler. He was hosed by the Lakers, so it's always nice to have a "Laker hater" on our team. I'm sure he will always bring his "A" game against them. And how fitting too, having Butler on our team taking it to the Lakers. But will he be happy being the 3rd or 4th option on this team?
If Butler doesn't like it that he isn't getting the ball enough in Washington then he is not going to like it here and having to share it with Oden, Aldridge, Roy AND Miller.
I think the issue is that Arenas seems to be freezing him out. Brandon we know at least is a willing passer -- Andre too. I don't think it's a matter of touches for Butler, I think it's how Gilbert is probably doing his typical 1 on 5 thing that is frustrating him. I imagine Agent Zero feels like he needs to come back and "reclaim" his team after two mostly wasted years.
Butler would be a great addition to the Blazers. I wonder what it would take to get him? Outlaw/Blake/Rudy works, although Hollinger sees it as a net loss for the Blazers. http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine
It's probably seen as a net loss because Caron's start to the season has been nothing short of abysmal. He's gone from a five assist a night guy to less than one in Flip's system. I haven't watched any wizards games so I can't speak from first hand account, but my guess is that he's not exactly being utilized very well by either Arenas or Saunder's offense which has Gil handling the ball about 95% of the time. So who knows, maybe he wouldn't be all that effective here with both Brandon and Miller already struggling to figure out who should be handling the rock.
According to Wiz fans, Butler has been taking too many jumpers and is guilty of going 1v1 too often. (Sounds like Outlaw, eugg) He's even missing layups and dunks. They think it's him adjusting to the system, but Arenas handling the ball 95% of the time doesn't help.
I like this 3 way deal. 3-way deal Portland trades: Webster, Outlaw and Blake They get: D. Arthur and Butler Memphis trades: Conley, D. Arthur They Get: Blake and Nick Young. Washington trades: Butler and Nick Young They get: Conley Jr., Outlaw and Webster. Blazers: -3 wins, Washington: +3 and Memphis: 0
I am not too worried about Butler and last year. The Wiz were out of it early in the season, and there wasn't much to pay for. Whenever Caron Butler has had something to play for, he has produced on both ends of the court well. The other thing I would point out, (Which I think is very important) is that Caron Butler is a guy whose production increases in the playoffs. He has another gear to go into. IMO you want guys who you know nut up when the playoffs hit. He is one of those guys.
