Jimmy Butler is set to face another suspension from the Miami Heat, marking the second time in just a few weeks that the star player has been sidelined. According to sources familiar with the situation, this latest suspension is expected to last for two games, following Butler’s absence from the Heat’s flight to Milwaukee. The team will take on the Bucks on Thursday and face off against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, and so the earliest he could potentially return to play for Miami would be on Monday during a home game against the Orlando Magic. However, his standing on the roster now hangs in the balance, as it isn’t confirmed he will still be with the Heat by then.
Butler’s relationship with the team has soured recently. He privately indicated his desire for a trade, a request he hasn’t publicly vocalized due to league regulations that could lead to hefty fines if made public. The Heat noted Butler’s trade request during the earlier suspension issued for what they described as conduct harmful to the team, stating they would explore options to meet his demands.
The NBA’s trade deadline is approaching, set for February 6, which increases speculation about Butler’s future with the franchise. Earlier this month, his first suspension saw him miss seven games, costing him approximately $2.4 million in salary. He made his return last week and has since played in three games, averaging 13.0 points over about 29.3 minutes of playtime.
On Wednesday, the Heat departed for Milwaukee earlier than usual, leaving at approximately 2:15 p.m. It remains uncertain if this change in travel schedule contributed to Butler missing the flight. Interestingly, this trip coincides with a padel tournament in Miami where Butler is listed as an honorary chairman and co-captain, and his coffee business, Big Face, is also affiliated with the event. However, it has not been confirmed whether his potential attendance at the tournament played a role in his absence from the flight.
The tension between Butler and the Heat has been evident over recent weeks and months, with financial disagreements at the forefront. Butler is eligible for a lucrative two-year extension worth $113 million, yet the Heat have refrained from issuing such an offer, primarily due to his history of injuries, which have seen him miss around 25% of games since joining the team in 2019.
Moreover, Butler has expressed dissatisfaction with his evolving role within the team’s offensive setup. He has exhibited discontent during recent games, opting out from participating in the customary introductions of the starting lineup and frequently distancing himself from teammates during timeouts.
“There was a lot said by everybody, except for me, to tell you the truth,” Butler stated after his return game following the suspension. “We’ll let people keep talking. … The whole truth will come out.”
Amid this upheaval, the Phoenix Suns made headlines the previous day by striking a deal with Utah to obtain three first-round draft picks, which many speculate could be used to facilitate a trade for Butler. However, such a deal would require the involvement of multiple teams to make the trade feasible.
Rumors surrounding Butler’s possible departure have circulated for weeks, with playful nods from the player himself during the season. For example, his hair color during December games intriguingly matched the colors of various teams, including Phoenix, Dallas, Golden State, and Houston—teams speculated as potential trade destinations. Furthermore, during a Tuesday match against Portland, Butler donned shoes that featured orange hues, aligning perfectly with the Suns’ color palette.
