Wizards choose Rasual Butler for final spot

Apr 9, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Rasual Butler (8) dribbles the ball as Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Knight (11) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Just days after signing John Lucas III, a journeyman backup point guard, to a non-guaranteed contract, Ernie Grunfeld and the front office chose to go with veteran small forward Rasual Butler for the final roster spot over Lucas III, according to J. Michael of CSN Washington. Butler was also chosen over Damion James and Xavier Silas.

Keeping Butler makes sense for the Wizards. He can provide offense from the wing, something Randy Wittman will be looking for, especially without Bradley Beal. Butler shot 41.9 percent from beyond the arc last season in 50 games with Indiana.

While keeping Lucas III would have also been a reasonable choice for the 15th roster spot, Washington already has a proven backup in Andre Miller. While Otto Porter has looked good on the wing in Summer League play and preseason, he still has to prove himself in the games that count. Butler can help mentor Porter while providing a boost offensively if called upon.

Butler, who was a second-round draft pick in 2002 by Miami, is signed to a non-guaranteed veteran minimum contract worth $1.4 million. Grunfeld will have until January 10 to cut Butler without any penalty.