The Miami Heat have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team during the season with it ramping up in recent weeks, the team announced.
Things reached a fever pitch on Thursday night, when Butler made postgame comments criticizing the organization and how he lost his love of basketball in Miami.
Now, Butler’s last game as a member of the Heat might be behind him with the trade deadline looming on February 6.
Eight days ago, Heat President Pat Riley said the team will not trade Butler by the deadline.
Now, the team has had a change of heart, making it clear the course-correct in a statement announcing his suspension.
‘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,’ a Heat statement read.
The Miami Heat have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games after Thursday’s comments
Butler may have played his last game in Miami after saying he lost his love for basketball
Butler said Thursday he would be open to playing anywhere, but Miami. Now comes that opportunity as interest for the 35-year-old should come in.
Butler has been with the Heat since 2019, the second longest stay of his professional career, one year shy of his first team, the Chicago Bulls.
The six-time NBA All-Star could get a deal for the rest of the season from a playoff contender hoping to add veteran depth.
The Heat are in a playoff spot, sixth in the Eastern Conference, and may want a hefty package to compensate for losing Butler.
On percentage points, the Heat are ahead of the Atlanta Hawks for the last spot in the postseason not heading to a Play-In Tournament.
