Jared Butler

Jared Butler's Biography

Jared Gladwyn Butler, born on August 25, 2000, is a celebrated American professional basketball player. Known for his exceptional skills and sportsmanship on the court, he plays for the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Aside from showcasing his athletic prowess in the NBA, he is also associated with the Capital City Go-Go of the NBA G League, where he has a two-way contract. But before his professional journey, Butler made his name as a college basketball player for the Baylor Bears.

In his junior year in 2021, Butler cemented his status as a superstar in the sport. His talent and hard work earned him the status of a consensus first-team All-American. His admirable performance also played a significant role in the Baylor Bears’ victorious march to a national championship. His extraordinary achievements and performances on the court led to him being named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player (MOP).

Butler was born to parents Richard and Juanea Butler. By merely age eleven, Butler was showcasing his potential by competing in out-of-state basketball tournaments. Raised in Reserve, Louisiana, Butler attended Riverside Academy, and by eighth grade, he was a part of the school’s varsity basketball team.

Displaying an impressive performance, Butler averaged 20.4 points and 6.7 assists as a junior, earning him a place in the first-team All-State. His senior year marked significant growth as he averaged 27.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 3.0 steals, leading to his second first-team All-State recognition and being named Player of the Year by The Times-Picayune. Tabbed as a four-star prospect, Butler committed to Alabama to continue his basketball journey.

After enrolling at Alabama, due to unforeseen circumstances, he did not participate in the team’s summer workouts and requested an unconditional release to transfer to Baylor University. A scholarship at Baylor opened up due to the early retirement of Jake Lindsey, allowing Butler to start his new journey there.

At Baylor, he was eligible to play immediately. Averaging 10.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists as a true freshman, Butler was thrust into the spotlight as an honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference and a member of the league’s All-Freshman team. He also earned the title of the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week, following his impressive performance against Iowa State and West Virginia.

Butler’s basketball career continued to flourish as he was named as the 98th-best collegiate basketball player going into the 2019-20 season by CBS Sports. He continued to display his skill on the court, and by the conclusion of the regular season, was named first-team All-Big 12 and a third-team All-American. Following this successful season, Butler declared for the 2020 NBA draft, after which he decided to return to Baylor, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

Coming into his junior season, Butler stepped up his game further, helping lead Baylor to its first-ever national championship. He was subsequently named the NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player. The conclusion of his junior year saw him declare for the 2021 NBA draft, stepping towards his professional career.

Butler found himself facing challenges in the form of medical obstacles but was eventually cleared to play in the NBA. Selected in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft with the 40th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans, Butler was traded to the Utah Jazz. On signing his rookie scale contract with the Jazz, he recorded a career-high of 21 points in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite these impressive plays, he was later waived by the Jazz.

Gradually moving towards success, Butler was named to the opening night roster for the Grand Rapids Gold. Subsequently, he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder under a two-way contract. On July 28, 2023, Butler inked a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards. Later, on March 5, 2024, he signed a multi-year deal with the Wizards but was waived by October of the same year. A few days later, however, he signed another two-way contract with Washington.

Throughout his journey, Butler has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. His dedication, skill, and love for the game place him among the notable players in the basketball world.