Crvena Zvezda announced Thursday that Jared Butler will remain with the club after signing a contract extension that keeps him in Belgrade through 2028.
Butler joined Crvena Zvezda in October 2025 after NBA stints with the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers and quickly became one of the team’s leading offensive players. Despite receiving multiple offers, the 25-year-old guard chose to continue his career with the Serbian club.
“Jared Butler stays with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet and extends his contract through #2028,” the club announced. “Despite numerous offers, Butler decided to continue his story in the red-and-white jersey and will be an exceptionally important part of the team in the upcoming season.”
During his first EuroLeague season with Crvena Zvezda, Butler averaged 12.5 points, 3.5 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 40.6% from three-point range in 17 appearances. His 12.5 points per game ranked second on the team behind Jordan Nwora, who averaged 13.6 points.
Butler also provided a major playmaking presence after Crvena Zvezda lost veteran guard Codi Miller-McIntyre during the offseason. Miller-McIntyre led the team with 5.0 assists per game in EuroLeague play before his departure.
The former NBA guard arrived at Crvena Zvezda after four NBA seasons in which he appeared in 148 games, averaging 6.7 points, 2.8 assists and 1.5 rebounds while shooting 45.0% from the field. His best NBA stretch came during the 2024-25 season, when he averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 28 games with Philadelphia.
Crvena Zvezda is entering a new era after making several changes this offseason. The club parted ways with head coach Sasa Obradovic and hired Ibon Navarro, who arrives after successful runs in European competition.
The Serbian club also saw several key players leave, including Miller-McIntyre, Isaiah Canaan, Donatas Motiejunas and Jasiel Rivero. In addition to retaining Butler, Crvena Zvezda added Chris Jones on a contract running through 2028.
Butler’s return gives Navarro an established perimeter scorer as Crvena Zvezda looks to build on a strong 2025-26 EuroLeague campaign. The team finished the regular season in 10th place with a 21-17 record, earning a play-in spot before missing the playoffs.
