Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler will be sidelined for at least the final two games of his team’s road trip as he continues to recover from an illness.
The Heat’s announcement means the six-time All-Star will not be available when Miami plays the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets this weekend.
Butler could return to action on New Year’s Day when the Heat host the New Orleans Pelicans. Although the franchise is likely to closely monitor Butler’s recovery over the next few days before clearing his return to the court.
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Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat leaves the court after the team’s victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 27, 2022 in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Butler hasn’t played since the first quarter of Miami’s Dec. 20 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, when he sprained an ankle, left the game and then was ruled out due to illness.
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Miami has played three games since then without Butler, two due to illness and then Thursday’s win in Orlando with him back in Miami preparing for a return.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler warms up before Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets on June 9, 2023 in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
He is not with the team on the trip.
The Heat said Thursday they will not trade Butler. ESPN reported that the 2021 NBA steals leader prefers to be moved before the February 6 trade deadline.
Jimmy Butler 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)
“We typically don’t comment on rumors, but all of this speculation has become a distraction for the team and is not fair to the players and coaches,” Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. “Therefore, we will make it clear that we will not trade Jimmy Butler.”
Butler has not publicly expressed any desire to be traded. He is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season.
