Caron Butler Reportedly Joins Miami Heat As Assistant Coach

Caron Butler is returning to the Miami Heat to begin his coaching career as an assistant on Erik Spoelstra‘s staff, a close source told The Associated Press today.

The source claims Butler and the Heat are finalizing his contract to join as an assistant coach.

In 2002, Butler was the No. 10 pick by the Heat in the NBA draft and spent two seasons with the team, before getting moved to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004 as part of the deal that brought Shaquille O’Neal and Miami together.

Butler will replace Dan Craig, who was hired earlier this offseason by the Los Angeles Clippers. The 40-year-old Butler played for nine teams in his 14 NBA seasons. He was a two-time All-Star and was part of the 2011 Dallas Mavericks team that topped Miami for the NBA title.