The Jimmy Butler-Miami Heat saga has taken another negative turn, with Butler being suspended indefinitely by the organization. This comes after he was expected to return to the team on Monday night ahead of their matchup with the Orlando Magic.
According to ESPN, the suspension is due to Butler’s discontent with the team’s plan to use him off the bench going forward. When this plan was discussed at the team’s morning shootaround, Butler walked out, leading to the indefinite suspension.
This strained relationship has resulted in Butler missing nine of the last 12 Heat games. His first suspension was for seven games due to conduct detrimental to the team, and he returned to play three games before being suspended again for two games after missing a team flight for a road trip last week.
Butler has been unhappy with his role on the team and has requested a trade from the organization. Initially, team president Pat Riley said the organization wouldn’t be taking calls on Butler, but this stance has changed in recent weeks. The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, with February 6 being the final day for any trade to be made for this season.
Butler is in the second year of his three-year, $146.4 million deal with the Heat, with all of the contract guaranteed. He has a player option for next season worth $52.4 million against the Heat’s cap.