Miami, FL – The Miami Heat have suspended star player Jimmy Butler indefinitely on Monday afternoon following his persistent demand for a trade, a request that remains unmet. This suspension marks Butler’s third time sidelined by the organization within the past month, intensifying tensions between the player and the team.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Butler walked out of the team’s shootaround on Monday morning after discovering he would not be starting in the upcoming game against the Orlando Magic. Haywood Highsmith has been named as his replacement in the starting lineup. Butler was initially set to return to the team on Monday after completing a two-game suspension.
In an official statement, the Miami Heat announced, “The Miami Heat are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games. The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services. This includes walking out of practice earlier today.”
While the suspension is described as indefinite, it ensures Butler will miss at least five games. The NBA’s trade deadline looms on Thursday, Feb. 6, just one day after Butler would become eligible to rejoin the team if the suspension remains at the minimum duration.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported that the suspension will result in Butler losing over $2.6 million in salary. In response to the suspension, Butler took to his Instagram story on Monday afternoon, posting a reference to the ‘90s sitcom “Martin,” which read:
“For those unfamiliar with this character from the ‘90s show Martin, Tommy was constantly sweated by friends for claiming to have a job. In fact, the correct verbiage was, ‘You ain’t got no job, man.’
Heat veteran Kevin Love also commented on the incident via Instagram, making a joke that included an NSFW clip of Denzel Washington from “Training Day.”
This season, Butler has been averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, marking his sixth year with the Heat. His first suspension occurred on January 3 for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team,” followed by a brief return and a subsequent two-game suspension last week after missing a team flight for a road trip.
Prior to his initial suspension, Butler had expressed a desire to leave Miami, stating, “I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant, I want to hoop and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”
Initially, the Heat had stated they would not trade Butler. However, the organization has since shifted its stance, indicating they are open to offers. Reports have linked Butler to a potential trade with the Phoenix Suns, and he was even seen sporting Suns’ shoes earlier this month. The likelihood of such a trade being finalized remains uncertain.
Butler’s current actions mirror his previous tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he also strained relationships while seeking a departure from the team. His determination to leave the Heat persists, despite the potential financial repercussions and conflict with the long-established team culture.
Ultimately, Butler remains steadfast in his intention to exit Miami, prioritizing his personal and professional fulfillment over adherence to the organization’s expectations.