Rumors had circulated for weeks that star forward Jimmy Butler wanted out of Miami; It even got to the point where the Heat issued a statement saying that he had become a distraction and that they would not trade him.
Well, in the span of a week, the team has done an about-face, admitting in another statement on Friday that Butler asked to be moved, and they will look to honor that request.
In that same statement on Friday, the Heat announced that they had suspended Butler for seven games “for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly in recent weeks.”
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Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler warms up before Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets at the Kaseya Center in Miami on June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Butler said Thursday that he has “no joy” playing basketball in Miami and couldn’t find it again with the Heat.
“Through his actions and statements, he has demonstrated that he no longer wants to be a part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers,” the Heat said Friday.
Butler’s agent had shut down reports from ESPN that he wanted to be traded, but it seems like it’s always been the opposite.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler leaves the court after the team’s victory over the Boston Celtics during Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden in Boston on May 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
ODDS ON JIMMY BUTLER’S NEXT TEAM: WILL STAR GUARD REMAIN IN MIAMI PAST THE TRADE DEADLINE?
Butler will not be with the team for its home game Saturday against the Utah Jazz and then the entirety of a six-game road trip that will include games against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers. and the Los Angeles Lakers.
In theory, the soonest Butler could play for the Heat again is Jan. 17 at home against the Denver Nuggets, but he will likely have played for Miami for the last time.
Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat shoots during game two of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics at FTX Arena in Miami on May 19, 2022. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game in his sixth season with the Heat. He has played in two NBA Finals with them, losing both.
