Jimmy Butler Expected to Start for Miami Heat Against Denver Nuggets as the Team Aims to Accommodate His Trade Request
Jimmy Butler is expected to start for the Miami Heat in their game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, marking his first appearance since the team confirmed that he wants a trade. Butler was suspended by the Heat for their last seven games, with the club citing conduct deemed detrimental to the team. They went 3-4 during that stretch.
While a trade has not been finalized, the Heat did not list Butler on their injury report, indicating that they expect him to play. Butler was absent from the team’s recent six-game road trip and did not attend their practice session on Thursday. However, he is expected to meet with some team officials and coach Erik Spoelstra on Friday.
The 35-year-old Butler has lost his on-court “joy” in Miami and has expressed frustration with his role in the team. He has been suspended and suspended indefinitely from playing in games, and his relationship with the team has never been worse. The Heat has been engaging in trade talks, but trading Butler is complicated due to new rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
Despite being the best player on two Heat teams that went to the NBA Finals, Butler’s average points per game has decreased to 17.6 this season, while he is shooting a career-best 55% from the field. He is making $49 million this season and has an option to make $52 million next season.
