NBA Free Agents 2011: 8 Teams Caron Butler Should Consider

Injury prone is the perfect word to use in describing Caron Butler. He only played in 29 games last season, and despite his absence, the Dallas Mavericks were still able to win the championship. That knocked a few dollars off his new contract.

The fact that he gets hurt so often also diminished his value. He's never played a full 82-game season and he's missed a significant portion of several seasons. 

Finally, after the lockout, there will most likely be a salary cap, which will make it harder for Butler to get the money he wants. In short, Butler chose a bad year to become a free agent. That being said, here are a few teams that he'll want to look at for a short-term deal in order to increase his value and sign a bigger contract in the future. 

Boston Celtics

Caron Butler can come off the bench in Boston and be a helpful asset. Boston's core of starters are aging, and Butler can be a great sixth man off the bench. With a high profile player like Butler coming off the bench, the Celtics stars will be able to get more rest and be more fresh in big games. 

The Celtics are perennial title contenders, and another ring for Butler will solidify his reputation as a winner. Some playoff heroics will also increase his value. That's where players make their money as free agents. A short-term contract in Boston will help Butler be noticed by other teams willing to shell out big dollars because he will be playing for a winning team. It makes sense for Boston too because they can rest their big guns. 

Houston Rockets

How about moving to another Texas team?

Many feel that the Rockets are one guy away from qualifying in the Western Conference playoffs. They have solid players like Luis Scola, Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin. Adding Butler will add a veteran presence that will push the Rockets into the playoffs. It will also give Butler the opportunity to be a leader of a team. 

Denver Nuggets

The only thing keeping Caron Butler away from the Denver Nuggets is a neck tattoo. Other than that, he seems like he will fit perfectly for a young team in need of veteran leadership after Carmelo Anthony's departure.

The Nuggets were still a solid team even after Melo left. But now they are left without a star, and this could keep them away from the playoffs. Teaming up with Danilo Gallinari and Andre Miller will help develop a formidable tandem that will be good enough to make the playoffs. 

Chicago Bulls

If Butler doesn't want to be the number one guy on a team like in Denver or Houston, he can always join the Chicago Bulls and play second fiddle to Derrick Rose. It was obvious in last year's Eastern Conference Finals that the Bulls needed another star on their team. Carlos Boozer was shut down and Derrick Rose couldn't do it on his own. Caron Butler will be a great addition for the Bulls and will help facilitate Rose's job. That is, if he stays healthy. 

Portland Trail Blazers

Here's another young team that can use a veteran presence to be a more complete team. The Blazers have great players like LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy and Gerald Wallace. Adding Butler will give them another solid player to help build the team around. Because of Greg Oden's constant injuries, they probably won't have to pay him that much money when trying to re-sign him. So this will make it possible to bring Butler to Portland, too. 

Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin. Mo Williams. Eric Gordon.

These are all young players that won't mind having veteran leadership surrounding them. With a vacant small forward position in Los Angeles, Butler would fit perfectly into the mix. He'll be able to work with up and coming star Blake Griffin. The Clippers are a surging team, and if Butler can help them get into the playoffs, then it will increase his value greatly. 

Dallas Mavericks

How about returning home?

Just because they're champions, it doesn't mean they don't have to do any work. The Mavericks are faced with a huge problem in free agency. They have six players who are hitting free agency, including Caron Butler.

Butler wasn't a factor at all in the playoffs because of injury, but he still carries a lot of value. If Tyson Chandler leaves, it will be important for the Mavericks to at least retain Caron Butler in order to make another run for a championship. 

Phoenix Suns

A team with Steve Nash and Vince Carter looks like a team that's one piece away from being a playoff team. Having Caron Butler on the Suns will create a strong offensive minded team with a lot of experience. The Suns will be back in the mix in the West again.