We are where we are' - Butler and Heat no closer to settling relationship drama

Jimmy Butler says he and the Miami Heat "are where we are" regarding their relationship ahead of the looming trade deadline.

Butler has not played for the Heat in two weeks following a seven-game suspension for "detrimental conduct" after the 35-year-old told reporters he was losing his passion for playing for the Heat and asked for a trade.

He made his return on Friday but could not prevent Miami from losing despite scoring 18 points, as they were beaten 133-113 by the Denver Nuggets.

Butler, who went 7-for-15 from the field and also finished with three rebounds, two assists and a turnover, is still looking for a trade, while Miami are yet to find the right deal.

"I guess it's basketball at this point," Butler said. "I know what I'm expected to do while I'm here and try to do that to the best of my ability, but we are where we are.

"It felt good to get out there and compete and actually run around with these guys [team-mates]. As much as everybody may think, I don't got a problem with these guys.

"These guys are cool. They're my friends. My beef is not with them and never will be. Never has been. But it did feel good to get out there and play some basketball."

An error occurred while retrieving the Tweet. It might have been deleted.

Miami struggled against the Nuggets' offense, with Nikola Jokic getting his 17th triple-double of the season (24 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists), while Jamal Murray scored 30 points and Aaron Gordon added 16.

Coach Erik Spoelstra was keen to avoid questions on Butler's effort in the game and his future, instead lamenting their lax defense.

"I don't know," Spoelstra said when asked if Butler needs to be more involved offensively. "We haven't seen him obviously in a couple of weeks. He hasn't played a lot of games, so that is likely part of this.

"I know what storylines you're looking for. I'm not feeding into any of that tonight. We got our a**** kicked. I know what you want to talk about. I know what I saw out there.

"From a defensive standpoint, it was not good enough, and that's three straight games now. We found our identity of how we can win games and then [the last] three games, we haven't been able to put that together, commit to that side of the floor, and we've paid the price."