Miami Heat Suspends Jimmy Butler for Two Games
Jimmy Butler has been suspended by the Miami Heat for the second time in just three weeks, which adds to the possibility that his time with the franchise may be coming to an end.
The latest suspension, which will last two games, was issued due to what the Heat described as a “continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct, and conduct detrimental to the team,” including missing the team’s flight to Milwaukee earlier in the day. The Heat were scheduled to play the Bucks on Thursday and Brooklyn on Saturday.
The earliest Butler could return to play for the Heat is Monday, when they play Orlando at home, but that will depend on whether he is still on the roster, which is uncertain.
Butler’s Request for a Trade
In recent weeks, Butler has told the Heat that he wants a trade, though he has not made the request public due to league rules. Players who publicly request a trade risk a fine of up to $150,000. However, the Heat disclosed this request when they suspended him in early January for conduct detrimental to the team, and they mentioned at the time that they would try to accommodate his trade request.
The NBA trade deadline is set for February 6.
Previous Suspension and Butler’s Return
Earlier this month, Butler was suspended for seven games, which caused him to lose around $2.4 million in salary. He returned to play last week and has participated in the last three games, averaging 13.0 points in 29.3 minutes.
Missing the Flight and Possible Conflicts
The Heat’s flight to Milwaukee left around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, which was earlier than usual, and it’s unclear whether that was a factor in Butler missing the flight. The dates for this road trip overlap with a padel tournament in Miami where Butler is listed as an honorary chairman and co-captain.
His coffee company, Big Face, is also involved in the event. However, it’s unknown if Butler intended to attend this event in Miami or if it was related to his absence from the flight.
Issues Leading to Butler’s Fractured Relationship with the Heat
Butler’s potential departure from the Heat has been building for weeks, if not months. The main issue appears to be money—he is eligible for a two-year, $113 million extension, but the Heat have not offered this deal, likely because he has missed about 25% of the team’s games since joining in 2019.
In addition to the money issue, Butler has expressed dissatisfaction with his new role in the Heat offense. He has not participated in his usual way during the introduction of the team starters for the last three games, and has been seen sitting alone at times during timeouts, not engaging with his teammates during huddles.
Butler Comments on the Situation
“There was a lot said by everybody, except for me, to tell you the truth,” Butler said after his first game back from suspension. “We’ll let people keep talking… The whole truth will come out.”
Possible Trade to Phoenix
The latest development in Butler’s situation comes just after Phoenix made a trade with Utah to acquire three first-round draft picks, which they are expected to use in another trade—possibly for Butler. A trade to Phoenix would be complex and likely involve multiple teams to make all the parts fit.
Butler’s potential trade has been a topic for weeks, and his hair color during some December games coincidentally matched the primary colors of Phoenix, Dallas, Golden State, and Houston—the four teams most mentioned as potential trade partners for Miami.
For Tuesday’s game against Portland, Butler wore shoes with an orange tint, which matched the Suns’ color scheme.
