The rollercoaster saga of the Miami Heat with All-Star Jimmy Butler continues, as they reportedly suspended him two games for missing a team flight for a road trip, according to ESPN.
The heat were headed to Milwaukee on Wednesday for their nationally televised game against the Bucks on Thursday night, but Butler was not on the flight.
ESPN adds that Butler had planned to make another trip to Milwaukee, but the Heat are expected to suspend him for the road trip, which also includes a Saturday game against the Brooklyn Nets.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat prepares for a free throw against the Washington Wizards on February 2, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. (Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images)
This is the second internal suspension for Butler this season, which only adds to the turmoil highlighted when he requested a trade a few weeks ago.
Butler also served a seven-game suspension for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team,” although he remains a member of the Heat.
JIMMY BUTLER PLAYS IN SOLAR THEMED SNEAKERS, HOURS AFTER PHOENIX ACQUIRES TRADE ASSETS
Butler will continue to play, but he noted this weekend that “the whole truth will come out” after he made his trade request.
“Sooner or later the whole truth will come out, but until then we’ll keep letting people talk. And when I’m here, I’ll go out and play,” Butler told the media after joining the team had played. loss for the Denver Nuggets At home.
Bulter also seemed frustrated by reports that his relationship with Miami players and the front office was strained.
“I expect people to talk,” Butler said. “Half the reason is because no one ever knows what I really do, so you just make stuff up, which is fine. And honestly, I really don’t pay any attention to it. But I’ve had people say to me, ‘Oh, they said this.’ So I think it’s really all good. I don’t need to clarify anything.
“So more power to you. Keep talking, and we’ll see where we end up.’
Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 2, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old caused some controversy on social media when he was spotted wearing Phoenix Suns-themed sneakers on Tuesday evening, with many believing this was done purposefully as his desired trade destination.
It also came just hours after the Suns acquired three future first-round picks from the Utah Jazz in exchange for another first-round pick.
Phoenix could use another star, as the Kevin Durant-Devin Booker-led roster is just 21-21 this season.
Heat president Pat Riley said in December: “We are not trading Jimmy Butler.” However, the team’s attitude changed after that seven-game suspension.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The Heat said they would “listen to offers” on Butler after announcing his suspension.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports reporting on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
