Should the Raptors waive anyone before the trade deadline?

Butler is shooting his lowest percentage from deep since 2002

If you have been reading my articles then you know that there is one Raptor who I think should be waived before the deadline; if any. Personally, I can’t see Dwane Casey making any drastic movements before that time comes. And while everyone else is focused on Dwight Howard and his chaotic situation, I’m focused on a single person: Rasual Butler.

Sorry Butler, but for me and many other fans here in Raptor Nation, you just aren’t getting it done (I know, you’re surprised I didn’t pick AC right?).

Let’s break it down, shall we? This season, Butler is averaging 3.6ppg, 2.2rpg and 0.5apg while playing 14.9mpg. The 9-year veteran is shooting 30.3% all around and only 29.2% from three point land; tying his lowest career percentage back in his first season in 2002. The only part of his game which is better this season than those past is his 74.8% shooting from the free throw line.

Over the last 3 games, Butler has scored a total of 8 points; all against Milwaukee on 3-9 from the field. He played a total of 22 minutes over those 3 games, grabbed 4 rebounds and had a steal. The plus here is that he also had only a single turnover.

If you’re Dwane Casey and the Raptors, you need a reliable swingman that can make open shots and drive when necessary. It’s not that Butler is afraid to drive, but he prefers to spot up and take long mid-range shots or threes. The problem is…well, you saw his percentages.

So, is there anyone better?

At the moment, there are some pretty solid free agents that could potentially be signed (Sonny Weems’ name is now moot here). And Butler, who plays small forward, could be replaced by either another player of the same position or a shooting guard that can do his job just as well.

Here’s a list of some of the better SF free agents: James Posey, Al Thornton, Jamario Moon, Julian Wright, and Joey Graham. If you recall, the last three are all former Raptors players. And though these players may be a bit out of shape from the lockout, they are interesting prospects.

And here are some of the shooting guards available: Larry Hughes, Stephen Graham, Eddie House, Michael Finley and Keleena Azubuike. These players are intriguing as well, especially if you remember Eddie House’s 30+ point game on the Raptors last year.

So, Casey may not find it necessary to move Butler (in fact, I’m almost certain he won’t), but this season has been rocky for him and he hasn’t shown many signs of improvement. Unfortunately for all of us watching from near and far, we may have to listen to the CLUNK of the ball bouncing off the back of the rim for the rest of the season.

And yet another reminder that some of our more consistent scoring is dressed in suits and sitting on the bench. We miss you Il Mago and Bayless. Dearly.