The Miami Heat have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games due to “conduct detrimental to the team”. This decision follows Butler’s recent comments expressing his desire to be traded from the team.
Butler’s suspension comes after a contentious news conference where he stated that he no longer believes he can find joy playing for the Heat. The Heat’s statement emphasized that Butler’s actions and statements have shown he no longer wants to be part of the team. As a result, the Heat will be listening to trade offers for Butler.
Due to the suspension Butler will miss the Heat’s home game against the Utah Jazz and the entirety of a six-game road trip, including stops in Sacramento, Golden State, Utah, Portland, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. The earliest Butler could potentially return to the court for the Heat is January 17th against Denver.
This suspension has significant financial implications for Butler, costing him approximately $346,543 per game, totaling around $2.35 million. The National Basketball Players Association has expressed its intention to file a complaint against the suspension, calling it “excessive and inappropriate”.
Butler’s future with the Miami Heat remains uncertain, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his next steps.
