Butler, along with center Brendan Haywood and guard DeShawn Stevenson, would head to Dallas for swingman Josh Howard, forward Drew Gooden, forward James Singleton and guard Quinton Ross. The deal is reportedly pending league approval and is unlikely to be consummated until Monday at the earliest.
Butler, linked to the Celtics in trade rumors that general manager Danny Ainge denied, is averaging 16.9 points per game and 6.7 rebounds for the 17-33 Wizards. While Butler's points per game mark is at a five-year low, he represents a marked increase over Howard's 12.5 PPG and 3.6 rebounds.
Gooden signed with the Mavericks at the beginning of the seasonfor $4.5 million, but has been hampered by an ankle injury, and may be bought out by the Wizards. The Mavericks are receiving Haywood in the deal to offset losing Gooden's work behind center Erick Dampier. Haywood, a former first round pick in 2001, is averaging 9.8 points and 2.1 blocks per game, the latter statistic a marked increase over Gooden's 1.2 blocks per game. He is a free agent after the season.
In order to make the trade work, Dallas had to agree to take Stevenson, who has been marginalized in Washington despite making $4.1 million on the year with another year remaining on the guard's contract.
According to the Dallas Morning News, Singleton and Ross, both also marginal players in the vein of Stevenson, may be on the move again once the Wizards gain rights to the players to use them in other trade negotiations. Singleton's contract expires after the season, which will make him a commodity in trade talks.
Dallas is 32-20 and is attempting to hold off San Antonio for first place in the Southeast Division.
