Two Kentucky Wildcats Find NBA Homes After Draft Night, Andrew Carr and Lamont Butler Sign Deals to Begin Pro Careers

The NBA Draft may have concluded without their names being called, but the journey to the league is far from over for two former Kentucky Wildcats, Andrew Carr and Lamont Butler. Both players have secured opportunities to prove themselves at the next level, with Carr landing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Portland Trail Blazers and Butler signing a two-way deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

It’s another example of the deep-rooted tradition of Kentucky basketball producing professional talent, even beyond the high-profile lottery picks. While much of the media attention focuses on first-round selections, NBA history has shown that undrafted players often carve out successful careers through grit, development, and seizing every opportunity. That’s exactly the mindset Carr and Butler are carrying into their respective situations.

Andrew Carr’s deal with Portland comes via an Exhibit 10 contract—a one-year, minimum salary agreement that offers flexibility for both the player and the franchise. For Carr, it’s a golden ticket into the Trail Blazers’ summer league program, training camp, and preseason roster. For Portland, it’s a low-risk opportunity to evaluate a promising player up close, with the option to convert the deal into a two-way contract or offer Carr a spot with their G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix.

Carr, a 6-foot-10 forward, brings a unique skill set to Portland’s developmental pipeline. His combination of size, shooting touch, and defensive versatility made him a valuable contributor during his time in Lexington. Though not projected as a first-round talent entering the draft, Carr’s work ethic, basketball IQ, and stretch-four potential drew interest from several teams.

At Kentucky, Carr made a name for himself as a reliable floor spacer and an underrated defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. His ability to knock down perimeter shots while holding his own in the paint reflects the modern demands placed on frontcourt players in today’s NBA.

Sources close to Carr suggest that Portland’s coaching staff was particularly impressed with his performances during pre-draft workouts, where he showcased improved mobility, defensive instincts, and consistency from beyond the arc. With the Trail Blazers in the midst of a youth-focused rebuild, the door is open for players like Carr to earn meaningful development minutes, whether with the main roster or the G League squad.

If Carr is waived following training camp but signs with the Rip City Remix, the Exhibit 10 deal allows him to earn a bonus—providing financial incentive while he continues working toward his NBA dream.

Meanwhile, Lamont Butler’s path takes him to Atlanta, where he’s secured a coveted two-way contract with the Hawks. For Butler, it’s a validation of perseverance, production, and promise. The two-way deal enables him to split time between Atlanta’s NBA roster and their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, offering invaluable opportunities to develop and showcase his talent at both levels.

Butler, known for his tenacious defense and competitive edge, was a key figure for Kentucky last season. While his offensive game continues to evolve, it’s his defensive prowess that caught the attention of NBA scouts. His ability to hound opposing guards, disrupt passing lanes, and bring relentless energy on the perimeter fits the profile of the modern defensive specialist—an archetype that has increasing value in today’s NBA.

Atlanta’s front office has emphasized defense, toughness, and guard depth in recent roster moves, making Butler a natural addition. His reputation as a lockdown defender precedes him, and the Hawks are banking on his potential to develop into a rotational player capable of guarding elite perimeter threats.

During the pre-draft process, Butler impressed with his lateral quickness, motor, and improved decision-making on offense. Though not regarded as an offensive focal point, he showcased the ability to run the offense in spurts, hit open shots, and make sound reads—essential traits for a role player carving out NBA minutes.

The two-way contract system, introduced in recent years, has been a proven springboard for players to earn full-time NBA opportunities. It offers flexibility for teams while giving players like Butler a structured path to the league, with exposure to NBA practices, coaching, and game action.

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, reflecting on both players’ signings, expressed pride and optimism for their futures.

“Andrew and Lamont exemplify the work ethic, toughness, and resilience we expect from Kentucky Wildcats,” Pope stated. “They didn’t hear their names called on draft night, but they’ve earned these opportunities through dedication. I have no doubt they’ll make the most of it.”

For Big Blue Nation (#BBN), seeing former Wildcats take the next step toward their professional dreams remains a point of pride. Kentucky’s basketball legacy extends beyond championships and March Madness runs—it’s about preparing players for the highest level of competition, regardless of the draft outcome.

Carr and Butler join a growing list of undrafted Wildcats who found ways to break through, following in the footsteps of players like Udonis Haslem, who built a 20-year NBA career after going undrafted, or more recently, standout role players who forged their paths through summer leagues and G League development.

The immediate road ahead includes summer league action, where both players will look to make early impressions. Carr is expected to suit up for Portland’s summer league squad in Las Vegas, an ideal showcase for young talent. There, he’ll have the chance to display his shooting range, defensive versatility, and ability to contribute in an up-tempo, spacing-oriented system.

For Butler, the focus shifts to integrating with Atlanta’s summer league roster, building chemistry with young teammates, and demonstrating his defensive value against NBA-level guards. With the Hawks navigating a retooling process and seeking to solidify their backcourt depth, Butler’s opportunity is real and immediate.

In both cases, success will hinge on adaptability, consistency, and capitalizing on every opportunity. The NBA is a league of constant evaluation, where undrafted players must approach each practice, scrimmage, and game with urgency. Carr and Butler understand the stakes and the grind required to stick.

Moreover, their stories resonate with countless aspiring players who face long odds but refuse to quit. The NBA draft is only one chapter of a larger journey—a journey defined by resilience, self-belief, and seizing moments when they come.

As they embark on their professional paths, Carr and Butler carry the pride of the Kentucky program and the unwavering support of Big Blue Nation. Their signings reinforce the idea that hard work and preparation can open doors—even when the draft night spotlight fades.

The coming weeks will reveal how they adapt to the pace, physicality, and demands of the pro game. For now, both can take pride in reaching this milestone, knowing the real work—and the real opportunity—begins now. Their journeys are just getting started, and with determination and the foundation built at Kentucky, they have every chance to turn these contracts into lasting NBA careers.