The Miami Heat’s rollercoaster saga with All-Star Jimmy Butler continues as he is reportedly suspended two games for missing a team flight for a road trip, according to ESPN.
The Heat were headed to Milwaukee on Wednesday for their nationally televised game against the Bucks on Thursday night, but Butler was not on the flight.
ESPN adds that Butler intended to get to Milwaukee another way, but the Heat are expected to suspend him for the trip, which also includes a Saturday game against the Brooklyn Nets.
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Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat prepares to shoot a free throw against the Washington Wizards on February 2, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. (Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images)
This is Butler’s second internal suspension this season, which only adds to the turmoil he highlighted when he requested a trade a few weeks ago.
Butler also served a seven-game suspension for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team,” although he remains a member of the Heat.
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Butler continues to play, but noted over the weekend that “the whole truth will come out” after making his trade request.
“Sooner or later, the whole truth will come out, but until then, we’ll continue to let people talk. And if I’m here, I’ll go out and play,” Butler told the media after playing on the team. loss to the Denver Nuggets at home.
Bulter also seemed frustrated with reports that his relationship with Miami players and management was strained.
“I hope people talk,” Butler said. “Half the reason is because no one knows what I’m really doing, so you just make stuff up, which is fine. And honestly, I don’t really pay any attention to it. But I have people telling me, ‘Oh, they said this , they said that.’ So, I guess everything is fine. I don’t have to clarify anything.
“So more power to you. Keep talking and we’ll see where we end up.”
Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 2, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old sparked some controversy on social media when he was seen wearing Phoenix Suns-themed sneakers on Tuesday night, with many believing he did it on purpose as his desired trade destination.
It also came just hours after the Suns acquired three future first-round picks from the Utah Jazz in exchange for another first-round pick.
Phoenix could use another star, as the roster led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker is just 21-21 this season.
Heat president Pat Riley said in December: “We will not trade Jimmy Butler.” However, the team’s position changed after that seven-game suspension.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Images by Rick Osentoski-Imagn)
The Heat said they would “listen to offers” on Butler after announcing his suspension.
