Mavs' Butler focusing on present with uncertain future

Caron Butler is heading into a contract year. He may also be headed to the Mavericks' bench. He professes that neither is a worry, even if he can't help but think about it.

He's being asked about both, after all.

"I'm just focused on the team goals," Butler told NBA.com after Wednesday's training camp practice at SMU. "I know the more successful we are, the more successful everybody will be individually. I'm just focused on winning and striving for a title.

"That's the only focus of mine."

Butler's future and fit with the Mavericks has been a topic of interest since April's stunning first-round upset by San Antonio. Butler was one of the few bright spots for No. 2 seed Dallas, averaging 30 points in the last two games of the series.

But uncertainty lingered throughout the summer about Butler. With a contract that expires at the end of this season for $10.6 million, his name is naturally going to be brought up in connection to trade rumors. And the Mavericks have been known to make a blockbuster or two.

The Mavericks currently don't have any plans to talk extension with Butler, according to general manager Donnie Nelson. Referring to this past offseason with Dirk Nowitzki, Nelson said any discussions with Butler would be tabled until next summer.