Caron Butler's knee is free of pain just six weeks after surgery to repair a ruptured patellar tendon.
Dallas could use Butler's $10.8 million expiring contract in a trade, but Butler hopes to return to the floor for the playoffs.
"I really do. That's just how I feel," Butler said. "I think everything is meant to happen for a reason and I just see myself playing with Dallas this playoffs and for years to come. I just see that. I think it's a perfect marriage."
Butler is rehabbing seven days a week in order to speed his return.
"It's a nice, sizable expiring contract, but to get a guy that's definitely coming back healthy -- that's not an issue -- an All-Star-caliber player, it's tough all the way around," Butler said. "They've got to look at everything, but I think it's the perfect fit for me."