Rumors of the star coming forward had been circulating for weeks Jimmy Butler wanted to leave Miami — it even got to the point where the Heat released a statement saying it had become a distraction and they didn’t want to trade him.
Well, in the space of a week, the team has since made a U-turn, admitting as much in another statement on Friday Butler has asked to be movedand they will try to fulfill that request.
In the same statement on Friday, the Heat announced that they have suspended Butler for seven games “for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and especially in recent weeks.”
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Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler warms up before Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets at Kaseya Center in Miami on June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Butler said Thursday he has no “joy” playing basketball in Miami and he wouldn’t get along with the Heat anymore.
“Through his actions and statements, he has shown that he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they want to be traded, therefore we will listen to offers,” the spokesperson said. Heat said this on Friday.
Butler’s agent had shut down ESPN’s reports that he wanted to be traded, but it appears it has always been the opposite.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler leaves the court after the team’s victory over the Boston Celtics during Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden in Boston on May 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
JIMMY BUTLER NEXT TEAM OPPORTUNITIES: WILL STAR GUARD REMAIN IN MIAMI AFTER THE TRADE DEADLINE?
Butler will not be with the team for Saturday’s home game against the Utah Jazz and then for the entirety of a six-game road trip that includes games against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers.
In theory, the earliest Butler could play for the Heat again would be Jan. 17 at home against the Denver Nuggets, but he has likely played for Miami for the last time.
Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat shoots during Game Two of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics at FTX Arena in Miami on May 19, 2022. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game in his sixth season with the Heat. He has played in two NBA Finals with them and lost both.
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