
The Miami Heat handed out a seven-game suspension to their star forward Jimmy Butler. The franchise also said it is now willing to listen to trade offers for the player.
Butler received a suspension for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team, “which likely refers to his public comments that hinted he wants to leave the franchise.
“Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team,” the Heat said in a statement. “Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”
The news represents an escalating development in a month-long saga surrounding Butler and his future in Miami.
After the Heat didn’t give Butler the extension he wanted in the offseason, the relationship between the two sides has soured. It also didn’t help that team president Pat Riley called out Butler for his lack of availability.
While the Heat previously insisted that they don’t want to trade Butler, keeping him around became problematic after his post-game press conference on Thursday after a loss to the Indiana Pacers.
“I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon,” Butler said while adding that he “probably” can’t get that joy back with the Heat.
Butler was limited to 22 games so far in 2024-25 and hasn’t performed up to his standards. He is averaging 17.6 points per game, his lowest since 2013-14, while adding 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists.