Los Angeles Clippers: Why Caron Butler Is Not the Answer

Breaking news has just surfaced that Caron Butler has come to terms with the Clippers on a three-year deal worth $24 million. According to the Los Angeles Times, Butler's agent, Raymond Brothers, has confirmed that the small forward will leave the Dallas Mavericks in order to sign with the Clippers. 

It has been rumored numerous times in the last few weeks that both Los Angeles and Caron Butler were interested in joining forces, but nobody knew how serious the talks between the parties were.

Obviously, there was a mutual understanding between them, as the Clippers have made one of the first free-agent signings.

However, I don't believe this was the right move for a team trying to become relevant again. In the following slides, I will show you why I believe this signing will backfire on the Clippers.

Age

It is weird to think that Caron Butler is already 31 years old. It felt like yesterday when he was the impressive young forward on a talented Miami Heat squad that included Dwyane Wade and Lamar Odom.

Since his stop in Miami, he has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks. All three of those teams were in contention for a championship, with the Mavericks winning one last year.

Looking over his resume, one can see that Caron Butler is a player with a lot of experience in this league.

However, I don't see this Clippers team being able to compete for a championship in the next couple years and by the time Caron Butler's experience is going to be really useful, he is going to be retired. 

Injuries

Caron Butler has been injury prone since entering the league back in 2002. Just last season, he missed time due to a torn left ACL and only appeared in 29 games for the Mavericks.

Is this the type of player the Clippers want to add to continue last year's successful campaign?

Nobody knows how Butler is going to rebound after his latest major injury, but it could be ugly. 

Contract

Is Caron Butler really worth an average of $8 million a year? It seems as if Butler cashed in on a golden opportunity, as teams are spending big dollars on a weak free agent class.

With $13 million of cap space, it's puzzling to think that they would waste more than half of their cash on a player they don't necessarily need. 

The Clippers will be regretting this financially for the next three years.

The Development of Al-Farouq Aminu

With the addition of Caron Butler, along with Chris Kaman and Mo Williams, the Clippers now have three players hampering the development of their young back-ups.

With Eric Bledsoe, DeAndre Jordan, and Al-Farouq Aminu showing flashes of brilliance last year, it would have been exciting to see how they fare in a starting role. 

However, we will not get the pleasure due to the presence of these old, former All-Stars. Its hard to imagine the Clippers not using the amnesty clause on either Chris Kaman or Mo Williams, but Butler is here to stay. 

This may have long-term consequences for the Clippers. Without the proper amount of playing time, the long, lanky Aminu, who is just filled with potential, may not improve the way they desire. 

What About Chris Paul or Dwight Howard?

Was it to soon for the Clippers to throw in the towel with the Dwight Howard/Chris Paul sweepstakes? The last few days it seemed like the Clippers were favorites to acquire a disgruntled superstar to pair up with Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon.

However, with the addition of Caron Butler, the Clippers have absolutely waved the white flag when it comes to acquiring either Howard or Paul. 

I will ask you one final question. Was Caron Butler the right move?