Sources: Caron Butler signing with Thunder

Caron Butler has chosen to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Miami Heat, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Butler informed teams of his decision on Friday morning, a league source told Yahoo Sports.

After securing a contract buyout from the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday morning, Butler is expected to clear waivers on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET, and will sign for the rest of the season to play with Thunder stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

[Also: Sources: Danny Granger to sign with Clippers ]

Despite close relationships and history with the Miami Heat, Butler decided that his best opportunity to make an impact and chase a championship belonged with Oklahoma City. Miami has lost out on the top two free-agent buyout players in Danny Granger and Butler.

The fact that Oklahoma City stopped pursuing Danny Granger several days before his Los Angeles Clippers commitment led many in the NBA to believe the Thunder were confident of securing Butler as a free agent.

The acquisition of Butler could be a tremendous boost to the Thunder, who have lost three straight games for the first time this season. Oklahoma City is 43-15.

The Heat were competing to lure Butler back to where his career started as the 10th overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft. At times, Oklahoma City can move Durant to power forward and slide Butler into the small forward spot.

Butler, 33, averaged 11 points in 34 games for Milwaukee this season. Butler has averaged 15.3 points per game in his 12-year career.

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