The Miami Heat has suspended star player Jimmy Butler for seven games over multiple instances of poor conduct.
In a statement put out by the franchise to NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Heat confirmed they will now listen to offers for the forward. The statement read: “Jimmy Butler has been suspended for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.
“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.”
Reports emerged late on Thursday evening that Butler had requested a trade from the Heat. The six-time NBA All-Star, who has been with the Floridian outfit since 2019, made as much clear following the 128-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Butler put up nine points, four assists, and two rebounds in what has been a generally poor season for both him and the Heat.
When asked if he’ll get his joy back on the court with Miami, the 25-year-old replied: “Probably not.” He added: What do I want to see happen? I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball.
“Wherever that may be well find out here pretty soon but I want to get my joy back. Im happy here, off the court, but I want to be back to somewhere dominant. I want to hoop and I want to help this team win. Right now, Im not doing that.
Butler’s future has been speculated for weeks with reports since Christmas Day suggesting he wanted a trade. The Heat recently moved to say no such trade would be happening. But it seems the past 24 hours have changed that narrative.
Speaking after the loss to the Pacers, Bam Adebayo said of teammate Butler: Obviously hes frustrated because hes standing on the corner.” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra deployed Butler at point guard in a bid to change the game – it didn’t work.
So, hes got a lot of things going on in his corner,” the Miami captain added. “For us, we keep the main thing like our coach always tells us. We play to win and thats what its all about.
Three potential landing spots, as discussed by Mirror Sports US, include the Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 6, 3 pm ET.
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