Heat Suspend Jimmy Butler for Missing Team Flight
The Miami Heat have decided to suspend Jimmy Butler for two games after he missed a team flight, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Reason for Suspension
Butler missed the team’s Wednesday flight as they were heading to Milwaukee for a Thursday game against the Bucks. Although Butler had planned to meet the team for the game, he will now be suspended for both the Bucks game and the Saturday game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Second Suspension of the Season
This suspension marks the second time this season Butler has been disciplined. Previously, on January 3, the Heat suspended him for seven games due to “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.”
Butler’s Trade Request and Comments
Before his first suspension, Butler made it clear that he wanted a change. On January 1, he stated, “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball and wherever that may be, we’ll find out pretty soon.” He expressed his desire to be dominant and help his team win but mentioned that he wasn’t currently achieving that.
Team’s Response
Following reports of Butler wanting to leave, Heat president Pat Riley denied trade talks in December, saying, “we are not trading Jimmy Butler.” However, after Butler’s first suspension, the Heat’s position shifted, and they stated, “we will listen to offers.”
