Marc Stein of ESPN is reporting that the Hornets dealt three point specialist Rasual Butler to the Clippers for a future second round pick. Of course, this deal clears about $8 million in salary, once you add in the luxury tax. But, despite the savings, I have to question what the Hornets ownership wants.
The Hornets are a team that just wants to shed salary for this season. That’s the main reason the Okafor deal was made. Sure, he’s got more years on his deal and will end up costing more, but if they can stop some of the pain for now, they’ll take just about anything. I mean, you have your best shooter and an all around solid role player and you trade him for a second rounder?
I know that your team isn’t good enough to compete with LA in the long run, but damn. Who is expected to be your outside threat next year? Peja Stojakavic? He’s 32, coming off of a season where he missed 21 games and didn’t look great when he was out there anyway.
I just wish teams would come out and tell the truth when they make these deals. I don’t want to hear that you’re going to draft another gem like Tony Parker. No second rounder is usually a guaranteed contributor. Just admit that you know you can’t win now and say you made this deal just for the sake of saving money. Then I’m somewhat OK with it.
A little talk about the Clippers side of this: rejoice, Clipper fans. Your front office is doing the right thing. They are trying to put the pieces around their young core to win. Butler should be the perfect fit for them. He can spot up and get wide open three’s out of double teams. Baron Davis can get the ball to him and Blake Griffin will create opportunities for him also.
Here’s what FutureNBAGM said about the deal on Twitter:
Perfect fit for LAC. Needed a backup 2/3 who can be a lights out shooter for them. Still lacking in defense at the wings though.
The sky is looking better, Clippers. Just don’t get all crazy about this team yet, they are a couple years away.
In what way does Rasual Butler qualify as their best shooter?
He's got an eFG% of about 50 on jumpers. Seeing that 85% of his shots are jumpers, he's one of the more efficient jump shooters on their squad.. He is easily in the top 2 or 3, no question! But I'd say #1
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