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Jackie Butler, restricted free agent, has signed a three year deal with the San Antonio Spurs for $7 million. The Knicks must match the offer in 7 days if they still want to keep him, else he's as good as gone. Joining the Spurs would be a great opportunity for Jackie, - San Antonio losing both
Nazr Mohammed - to free agency and
Rasho Nesterovic - traded to Toronto -, as he might start alongside
Tim Duncan.
Butler came to New York 2 years ago when coach/GM Isiah Thomas uncovered him in the CBA. Last season, he played in 55 games in a Knick uniform and averaged 5.3 PPG and 3.3 RPG.
Remaining in New York, he would play after Eddy Curry and Jerome James, (unless James is traded until then) although he is considered better and played more minutes under Brown than Jerome.
Yesterday was the first day the teams could trade and sign players. By retaining Butler, the Knicks will have the maximum number of players allowed by the NBA rules.
Last but not least, Jackie's agent Keith Glass, is the son of Larry Brown's agent.
