Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler will miss at least the final two games of the team's road trip as he continues to recover from an illness.
The Heat's announcement means the six-time All-Star will not be available when Miami takes on the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets this weekend.
Butler could return to action on New Year's Day when the Heat host the New Orleans Pelicans. However, the team will likely closely monitor Butler's recovery over the next few days before allowing him to return to the court.
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Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat leaves the court after his team's victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 27, 2022 in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Butler has not played since turning his ankle in the first quarter of Miami's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Dec. 20 and then being sidelined with an illness.
Heat President Pat Riley denies Jimmy Butler trade rumors, addresses 'distraction' head-on
Miami has played three games without Butler, two due to illness, and Thursday's win over Orlando, with Butler back in Miami preparing for his return.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler warms up before Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets on June 9, 2023 in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfried Lee)
He is on a road trip and is not accompanying the team.
The Heat announced Thursday that they do not intend to trade Butler. ESPN reported that the 2021 NBA steals leader hopes to be moved before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat prepares to shoot a free throw during a game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC on February 2, 2024. (Kenny Giara/NBAE via Getty Images)
“We typically do not comment on rumors, but all this speculation is distracting to our team and unfair to our players and coaches,” Heat President Pat Riley said in a statement. “Therefore, let me be clear that we do not intend to trade Jimmy Butler.”
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Butler has not publicly expressed a desire to be traded. This season, he is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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