Jimmy Butler told the world after Thursday night's loss to the Indiana Pacers that he doesn't find joy in the Miami Heat. Now, the Heat have ordered him to stay home for the next seven games for “conduct detrimental to the team.”
The Heat suspended Butler for seven games after he took his trade request to the next level on Thursday night. Butler appeared hesitant to take shots and lacked focus overall in the last two games as he returned from an illness. After the loss to the Pacers, Butler held a press conference in which he more or less stated that he wanted to leave the Heat, and then… ESPN's report spells out Butler's desire to go to a new team this season in plain language..
Heat manager Pat Riley has already released a statement saying Butler will not be traded. Now, it's clear Butler doesn't want to be around, so he's allowing Miami to listen to offers. The Heat suspended the veteran star for seven games without pay.
Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler was suspended for seven games for multiple acts detrimental to the team during the season, particularly in recent weeks.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 4, 2025
The Heat say they are willing to listen to any offers from Jimmy Butler. “Through his actions and words, he has shown that he no longer wants to be a part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his agent have indicated that they would like to be traded, so we are open to offers. I’m going to tilt it.” https://t.co/4YMMPNy8nM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 4, 2025
Eight days after Pat Riley announced the Heat would not trade Jimmy Butler, Miami announced they were open to all offers. https://t.co/6OdbTNSIH6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 4, 2025
Of course, this all comes back to the money. Butler wants a new long-term contract. The Heat don't want to give it to the 35-year-old. Butler has a $52 million player option for next season, and has committed to opting out and finding more guaranteed money.
The Heat have no incentive to acquire the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2025 first-round draft pick. Miami is 17-15 overall and currently the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
We will update this story as it develops.
