Free agent guard Jared Butler is signing a two-way contract with the Wizards, agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
After appearing only appearing in six games last season, the former Thunder player became a free agent this summer.
Butler won an NCAA championship with Baylor before being drafted by the Jazz with the 40th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Despite being regarded as one of the most NBA-ready players in his draft class, Butler had to overcome obstacles before his career even began. Namely, his basketball future was in doubt after a potential heart condition was brought to light during the NBA Combine. As a result, this may have caused Butler’s draft stock to fall, as he was projected as a mid-first round pick at one point.
Nevertheless, entering his third year in the league, the combo guard looks healthy and poised to help contribute to the Wizards off the bench.
Butler appeared in 46 games during his rookie year with the Jazz, where he averaged 8.6 minutes per game. Then last season with the Thunder, in the handful of games he played, he averaged 6.2 points (46.9 FG%) in 12.8 minutes.
So Butler’s usage with Washington is up in the air, as he will appear on the depth chart behind fellow guards Tyus Jones, Jordan Poole, Delon Wright, and Johnny Davis.
Specifically, the 6-foot-3 combo guard looks to show off his versatility, as head coach Wes Unseld Jr. can use Butler on the wing, or utilize his catch-and-shoot ability in the corner.
As an aside, Butler’s career 3-point FG% are as follows: 34.3% in the NBA, 41.6% in his senior year at Baylor, and 35.9% for the Oklahoma City Blue of the G League (before being recalled last season). Notably, Butler is a 3-level scorer who can play on and off the ball.
Certainly, the 22-year-old is more than capable of filling any role, as he was well-regarded coming into the league with a maturity level and physical stature that was NBA-ready from Day 1. Not to mention Butler’s potential was seen in his last career game with the Thunder, as he put up 25 points off of 55.6% shooting from the 3-point line.
In addition, Butler is off to a good start for the 2023 season, averaging 16.4 points, 4.1 assists, 1.6 steals with 47.1% FG, 44.2% 3PT, 94% FT in the NBA Summer League. There is no doubt the third-year player should get an opportunity to make a difference off the bench on a rebuilding Wizards roster.
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