Caron Butler would return to play for Warriors, Cavs, or Spurs
Apparently one of the good things about being a 37-year-old multimillionaire is the ability to be selective. Caron Butler, who hasn't played an NBA game since April 2016, said he's not officially retired yet, but would only come back and play for one of three teams.
"I'm only playing if I'm playing for a contender," Butler told Complex's Adam Caparell. "There's only three contenders out there. If I'm not playing on those three teams, then this is what I'm doing and I'm going full throttle."
When asked if the three teams were the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and San Antonio Spurs, Butler replied, "absolutely."
Butler may sound a little like fellow UConn product Ray Allen, who was linked with the same teams during comeback talk that never materialized a few years ago. However, unlike Allen, Butler never got a chance to play in an NBA Finals. He won a championship ring with the 2010-11 Dallas Mavericks, but was injured for the entire playoff run that spring.
The man known as "Tuff Juice" sounds content though, dabbling in broadcasting this season. Still, he admits that breaking up with the idea of playing basketball is not easy.
"It's a Love Jones. You can’t just say goodbye to your first love like that," Butler said. "I broke up with (basketball) in November. I played with her for a little around Christmas. We go through our phases. Now I'm sleeping on the couch. It's a process breaking up with your first love."
Butler played 14 seasons with nine teams, averaging 15.8 points in 881 games. He was an All-Star in 2007 and 2008.