The roller coaster saga with All-Star Jimmy Butler continues as the Miami Heat reportedly suspend him for two games for missing a team flight for a road trip, according to ESPN.
The Heat were scheduled to fly to Milwaukee on Wednesday for Thursday night's nationally televised game against the Bucks, but Butler was not on the plane.
ESPN added that Butler had otherwise intended to head to Milwaukee, but the Heat plan to suspend him for the trip, which includes Saturday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. is also included.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat prepares to hit a free throw against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 2, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Kenny Giara/NBAE via Getty Images)
This is Butler's second internal suspension of the season, and it only deepens the turmoil highlighted by his request for a trade a few weeks ago.
While still a member of the Heat, Butler was also suspended for seven games for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.”
Jimmy Butler plays in sun-themed sneakers hours after Phoenix acquires trade assets
Butler will continue to play, but said after submitting his trade request over the weekend that “the whole truth will come out.”
“Sooner or later the whole truth will come out, but until then I'm going to keep letting people talk. And if I'm here, I'm going to go out and play,” Butler said after his team's game. '' he told the media. They lost at home to the Denver Nuggets.
Bulter also appears to be unhappy with reports that his relationship with Miami's players and front office is strained.
“I hope people will talk,” Butler said. “Half the reason is because no one really knows what I'm doing. So you're just making stuff up, and that's fine. And to be honest, I don't pay any attention to it at all.” But I have people saying to me, “Oh, that's what they said.'' So I think it's okay if you don't really have to clean up anything.
“Then give me more power. Keep talking and we'll see what happens in the end.”
Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat plays against the Washington Wizards on February 2, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old caused a stir on social media on Tuesday night when he was spotted wearing Phoenix Suns-themed sneakers, with many saying it was his preferred trade destination. I believe it was done intentionally.
It also happened 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 player, as the roster led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker is just 21-21 this season.
“We will not trade Jimmy Butler,” Heat president Pat Riley said in December. However, the team's stance changed after receiving that seven-game suspension.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, 22, leaves the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Rick Osentsky-Imagen Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“We will listen to offers,” the Heat said after announcing Butler's suspension.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
