The saga between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat appears to have finally reached the breaking point.
Miami announced Friday it has suspended Butler seven games for detrimental conduct and will listen to trade offers for the disgruntled six-time All-Star.
The decision comes one day after Butler told reporters he was losing his passion for playing following the Heat's home loss to the Indiana Pacers. The 14-year veteran sat out the fourth quarter of that game as well as Miami's win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, his first game back after missing five straight with an illness.
"We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks," the Heat said in a statement.
"Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers."
ESPN reported Thursday that Butler had privately requested a trade out of Miami, though Heat president Pat Riley publicly stated last week the team had no intention of moving the standout forward.
The Heat's stance seems to have changed following two straight lethargic performances from Butler, who scored nine points in 27 minutes against Indiana and also had nine points in 25 minutes against the Pelicans.
When asked after Thursday's game whether he would be happy playing with the Heat going forward, Butler replied: "Probably not," before ending his media session.
“What do I want to see happen? I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball, wherever that may be - we’ll find out here pretty soon,” Butler said during Thursday's post-game conference. "I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here, off the court, but I want to be back to somewhere dominant. I want to hoop and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”
Butler's suspension will conclude after Miami returns from a six-game road trip on Jan. 15, though it seems likely one of the Heat's core players has played his final game with the team.
It's been speculated Butler's displeasure stems from the Heat's refusal to offer him an extension this past summer. The 35-year-old has a $52.4 million player option for next season on the three-year, $146.4 million extension he signed in 2021.
According to ESPN, Butler will forfeit approximately $2.35 million for the suspension, though he is eligible to potentially have that amount reduced on appeal.
Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists over 22 games in 2023-24, his sixth season with the Heat. Miami acquired the five-time All-NBA Defensive Team member from the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2019, and Butler played a key role in the Heat's surprising run to the 2023 NBA Finals.
