Monday, Feb. 28, 2011
Posted Feb. 27 9:02 p.m.Updated 11:57 a.m.
CSNChicago.com
The Bulls refused to mortgage their future for a shooting guard before the NBA trade deadline. Only a few days later, Chicago could find its solution without subtracting from its current roster.
On Sunday, veteran swingman Rasual Butler informed CSNChicago.com that he has been bought out of his contract by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Butler is in the final year of his contract that pays him 2.4 million. The Bulls currently stand 2.9 million under the league's salary cap and there appears to be mutual interest between Butler and the Bulls. A source says the Sixers are also a possibility.
Butler is averaging 5 points in 18 minutes of action this season after enjoying his best year as a pro in 2009-10 when he averaged 11.9 points per game.
On Dec. 18, Butler scored 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting (3-for-6 three-pointers) in the Clippers 100-99 victory over the Bulls at the United Center.
NBA
In 598 career games, Butler has averaged 8.6 points and is a career 36.1 percent 3-point shooter. Butler was originally drafted in the second round of the 2002 draft by the Miami Heat and played his college ball at La Salle.
Before bringing in the 6-foot-7 guardforward, Butler must first clear waivers. The Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks and Oklahoma City Thunder have also expressed interest in the veteran.
Stay with CSNChicago.com for updates on this story as they become available.