Kentucky basketball standouts Lamont Butler and Andrew Carr have officially signed deals following the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft, securing their professional futures despite not being selected during the two-round event.
Lamont Butler and Andrew Carr, two experienced and battle-tested Kentucky basketball players, have secured opportunities at the next level despite not hearing their names called during the 2025 NBA Draft. As soon as the draft concluded, both players found themselves quickly signed to deals that will give them a chance to prove they belong in the league. The news underscores a growing trend in professional basketball where undrafted players are able to carve out meaningful careers through Summer League contracts, Exhibit 10 deals, or two-way agreements. While the disappointment of not being selected may have lingered momentarily, both Butler and Carr now have a clear path forward, fueled by motivation and an unshakable belief in their abilities.
Lamont Butler, known throughout his collegiate career for his lockdown defense and clutch performances, particularly during his time with San Diego State before transferring to Kentucky, remained one of the most intriguing undrafted guards in the 2025 class. His leadership and composure on the court became vital assets for Kentucky during his senior season, and his game matured significantly under the tutelage of the Wildcats’ coaching staff. Though not necessarily a high-volume scorer, Butler’s basketball IQ, defensive prowess, and poise in late-game scenarios made him an appealing prospect for teams seeking a reliable backup guard.
Andrew Carr, on the other hand, brought an entirely different skill set to the table. A versatile forward with a smooth shooting stroke, Carr had already made waves in the ACC before transferring to Kentucky, where he expanded his game and showcased an improved ability to stretch the floor. Standing at 6-foot-10, Carr’s combination of size and skill offered a modern approach to the forward position. His mobility, shooting touch, and rebounding instincts gave scouts something to think about. Even if he wasn’t drafted, his résumé and style of play made it clear that teams would come calling as soon as the draft ended.
As it turns out, that call came quickly for both players.
Butler reportedly agreed to a deal with an NBA team shortly after the final pick was made. According to league insiders, his camp had already lined up Summer League workouts and meetings with front office personnel from multiple teams who had expressed interest should he go undrafted. Ultimately, he found a landing spot that valued his gritty mentality, perimeter defense, and experience. His new team has offered him a Summer League roster spot with the opportunity to compete for a two-way contract or a spot in training camp. With many NBA franchises prioritizing guard depth and defensive versatility, Butler now has a platform to showcase the very traits that made him a college standout.
Carr’s post-draft journey also came into focus quickly. Not long after the draft concluded, he inked an Exhibit 10 deal with a team that had been tracking his development closely over the past two seasons. This type of contract gives Carr a chance to participate in training camp and potentially earn a two-way deal depending on his performance. It also allows him to begin his professional career with a franchise that believes in his long-term upside. Carr’s ability to space the floor as a forward, defend multiple positions, and offer intelligent off-ball movement gives him a real chance to stick, especially in an NBA that increasingly values positional flexibility.
Their respective journeys to this point have been anything but conventional. Butler made headlines two years ago with his dramatic buzzer-beater in the Final Four that helped send San Diego State to the national championship game. He brought that reputation for big-moment plays to Lexington, where he immediately became one of Kentucky’s most trusted veterans. He didn’t need to put up gaudy stats to impact games. His voice on defense, his ability to disrupt passing lanes, and his calm demeanor were key to Kentucky’s success throughout the 2024–25 season.
Carr’s impact was just as profound. After transferring to Kentucky for his final year of eligibility, he became a focal point in John Calipari’s (or his successor’s) offense, often being used as a stretch-four who could pick and pop or run the floor in transition. His basketball intelligence was evident in his ability to read defenses and make the right play. While he never had a massive national spotlight like some of his Kentucky teammates, NBA scouts appreciated his consistency and maturity. He rarely forced shots, made smart decisions with the ball, and played solid positional defense.
The post-draft signings also highlight the strength of Kentucky’s player development system. While the program is often associated with one-and-done lottery picks, it has also proven to be a fertile ground for experienced players looking to polish their games and prepare for professional careers. Butler and Carr represent the evolution of the college game—a combination of seasoned transfers and high-potential youth—and their transitions to the NBA reinforce the notion that multiple paths to the league now exist.
As both players prepare for Summer League action, the pressure to perform intensifies. For Butler, the goal is clear: continue playing the brand of basketball that made him so effective in college. That means defending at a high level, communicating on the floor, and showing he can facilitate an offense when necessary. His ability to handle pressure, both literally and figuratively, gives him an edge. There will be no shortage of talented young guards competing for limited spots, but Butler’s track record suggests he won’t shy away from the challenge.
Carr will need to demonstrate that his shooting can translate to the NBA three-point line, and that he can hold his own defensively against more athletic forwards. If he shows that he can knock down open shots, make smart rotations, and contribute on the glass, he could easily turn his Exhibit 10 deal into something more stable. His skill set fits the mold of the modern stretch forward, and in a league always searching for size combined with shooting, he may have landed in the perfect environment to grow.
Their stories are reminders that the NBA Draft is just one part of the journey. Many players, especially those with unique skill sets or nontraditional paths, find their way to the league outside the spotlight of draft night. For Butler and Carr, the real work begins now. They’ll be asked to quickly adapt to professional systems, adjust to the speed and physicality of the NBA game, and show coaches that they belong in the rotation.
Their journeys are also a source of pride for the Kentucky basketball community. Fans who watched them grind it out during the college season will now have a chance to see them take the next step. It’s a testament to their resilience, dedication, and belief in themselves. For players like Butler and Carr, who were never viewed as sure-fire NBA stars but never stopped working, these post-draft signings are both validation and opportunity.
NBA teams are increasingly investing in players who are ready to contribute right away, whether through the G League or as depth pieces who can step up in a pinch. That bodes well for players like Butler, who has the poise and tenacity of a veteran, and for Carr, whose floor-spacing ability fits well in almost any offensive system. Their ability to adapt quickly will be the key factor in determining how far they go in their professional careers.
As the dust settles on the 2025 NBA Draft, Lamont Butler and Andrew Carr now embark on the next chapter of their basketball lives. No longer tethered to the uncertainty of draft night projections, they each carry the confidence of having earned their opportunities through persistence, performance, and professionalism. Whether they end up making NBA rosters, spend time in the G League developing further, or even explore overseas opportunities down the road, one thing is clear—they’re not done proving people wrong.
In a league built on dreams and driven by effort, Butler and Carr have already passed their first test. The journey to get here wasn’t easy, and what lies ahead will be just as challenging. But as they head into the Summer League with contracts in hand and purpose in their steps, the basketball world will be watching to see how two of Kentucky’s toughest and most reliable players write the next chapters of their stories.
