Caron Butler takes three-year, $24-million deal with Clippers

Caron Butler wanted to be a Clipper and the Clippers wanted the free-agent forward to be a part of what they are trying to build.

For Butler and the Clippers, it all worked out when the sides agreed Thursday to a three-year, $24-million deal.

Butler can't sign the contract until Friday, the first day the NBA will allow teams to sign free agents and the day training camp opens.

Butler's agent, Raymond Brothers, said his client plans on being at the Clippers' training camp Friday afternoon in Playa Vista.

"He's a Clipper now," Brothers said in a phone interview. "I think he's a great fit for the Clippers, on and off the court. He's is excited about the opportunity. I think the fans will love him."

Butler had talked with the Chicago Bulls on Monday, saying on Twitter how much he enjoyed being there.

He came to Los Angeles on Monday night and spent time with the Clippers that night and again Tuesday, and the 6-foot-7 forward was impressed.

Butler then visited the Spurs in San Antonio on Wednesday night, and the word was that he liked it there too.

But the Clippers beat out the other suitors.

"That's huge for us," Clippers point guard Mo Williams said via text message. "He's a nice addition to the nucleus we have. He came from a winning organization and that's key. He's another veteran voice in the locker room."