The Miami Heat have had a standoff with their star player Jimmy Butler this season, and now the tension is boiling over.
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That is to say, according to reports, Butler has been suspended seven games for "multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team," as the organization released a statement:
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.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 4, 2025
"Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team," the Miami Heat X account wrote. "Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers."
$3.7 MILLION DOLLARS: Jimmy Butler will miss out on approximately $3,729,159 during his suspension from the Miami Heat.
That equates to $532,737 per game 😳💰 pic.twitter.com/tejuFhHmls
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) January 4, 2025
With this in mind, the Heat have finally given into Butler's request, as just last week, Pat Riley addressed the situation by stating candidly in a statement: "We are not trading Jimmy Butler."
From @MiamiHEAT — they’re *not* trading Jimmy Butler. pic.twitter.com/dEbs7tyXi5
— Trish Christakis (@TrishChristakis) December 26, 2024
All in all, now it appears they are open to taking offers for the veteran six-time All-Star.
Butler's list of preferred destinations include: the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.
Eight days after Pat Riley announced the Heat are not trading Jimmy Butler, Miami announces it is open for business for all offers. https://t.co/6OdbTNSIH6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 4, 2025
In view of the "conduct detrimental to the team," the last straw may have occurred after Thursday night's loss to the Indiana Pacers, when Butler said that he won't be able to "get his joy back" while playing basketball for the Heat.
Jimmy Butler’s making $48M to play basketball, yet he's still unhappy. 😳pic.twitter.com/63PKWdhRAd
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) January 3, 2025
All of the drama seemingly started this past offseason when Butler was upset with Heat President Pat Riley for not giving him a two-year/$113 million contract extension (per Miami Herald).
And ever since, Butler has let it be known that he is not happy being on the Heat roster anymore.
Ultimately, the 35-year-old may be getting his wish very soon, considering the upcoming trade deadline is February 6.
Even if Butler never plays another game in a Heat uniform, in his tenure he has led the team to two NBA Finals appearances (2020, 2023), so there may be mixed reactions from fans upon his departure.
Related: Heat Star Jimmy Butler Gives Shocking Postgame Interview Which Signals An End Of An Era In Miami
