Clippers land Caron Butler for three-years, $24 million

If it's true the Los Angeles Clippers have fallen off the radar for Chris Paul, at least they can comfort themselves by knowing they have Caron Butler. 

Not the same thing? No, it isn't, but Butler, who agreed to a three-year contract worth $24 million on Thursday, fills the Clippers' need for a small forward.

The Clippers had shown an interest in Paul, but the New Orleans Hornets point guard's refusal to sign an extension brought any talks to an abrupt halt.

The Clippers would not have made that kind of short-term deal because the Hornets were looking for the unprotected first-round draft pick the Clippers own from Minnesota.

The Golden State Warriors had a similar situation with the Hornets, who wanted Stephen Curry. They would not have traded away their talented guard without some kind of guarantee from Paul that he would agree to a long-term trade. 

Butler played in just 29 games last season for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 15 points and 4.1 rebounds. He underwent surgery in January to repair a ruptured tendon in his right knee. 

Butler, 31, officially signed his contract on Friday. He was a first-round pick by the Miami Heat in the 2002 draft and has also played for the Lakers and Washington Wizards.