Reports: Butler Chooses Thunder

Yesterday the Thunder and Heat were labeled as the frontrunners in the Caron Butler sweepstakes. Today, Butler has chosen to bring his talents to Oklahoma City according to a Yahoo! Sports report.

The 33-year-old forward can't officially sign with the team until he clears waivers at 4:00 p.m. CT on Saturday. Once the signing is complete Butler could join the team as early as Sunday's game against Charlotte.

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General Manager Sam Presti, who has been maligned lately by national media for his lack of headline-making roster moves, now has 14-of-15 roster spots filled going into the final quarter of the regular season.

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Butler, a two-time All-Star in 2007 and 2008 with the Wizards, is a tough defender and above average scorer. He's averaging 11.0 points and 4.6 rebounds per game this season but has missed 20 games with minor injuries.

The move likely won't affect OKC's starting five, but look for Butler to be a Battier-type player off the Thunder bench – a versatile guy who can help Scott Brooks play big or play small depending on the situation.