The NBA Players Association is trying to heat up Miami over Jimmy Butler's suspension.
The NBPA announced Friday night that it intends to contest. 7-game suspension imposed by Heat The six-time All-Star spoke publicly earlier this week about requesting a trade, saying he was “probably not” happy to remain with the team.
The Heat announced early Friday that Butler, 35, had been suspended for “multiple incidents” of “conduct detrimental to the team.”
The suspension will cost him $346,543 per game, or about $2.35 million of his $48.8 million salary this season.
“The seven-game suspension imposed on Jimmy Butler by the Miami Heat tonight is excessive and inappropriate,” the NBPA posted on X Friday night, adding, “We will contest the discipline and file a grievance. ” he said.
Team president Pat Riley said in late December that the Heat had no intention of trading Butler, but were open to entertaining offers for the 14-year NBA veteran.
“Jimmy Butler has been suspended for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to our team during the season, particularly in recent weeks,” the Heat said in a statement. “Through his actions and statements, 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 will listen to offers.”
Butler is averaging 17.8 points per game this season, his lowest point total since the 2013-14 season.
The Heat enter Saturday night's home game against the Jazz with a record of 17-15, tied for fifth place in the Eastern Conference with the Bucks.
He will also miss the team's scheduled six-game trip to the West Coast.
“I want to see me get my joy back in playing basketball, and wherever that ends up being, you'll see it right here,” Butler told reporters after Thursday's loss to the Pacers. “Off the court I'm happy, but I want to get back to being in some dominant position, I want to play hoops, I want to help the team win, and I'm not doing that right now.”
Butler also played for the Bulls, Timberwolves and 76ers during his career, and was coached by Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau in Chicago and Minnesota.
