The relationship between the Miami Heat and star forward Jimmy Butler has taken another dramatic turn south. On Monday, Jan. 27, Butler was suspended by the team for a third time after walking out of practice before a game against the Orlando Magic.
The six-time All-Star was apparently upset he was not in the starting lineup. The three suspensions have all come this month, and Butler has played just three of 12 games since requesting a trade on Jan. 2.
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The Heat released yet another statement on X during the saga, which read, “The Miami Heat are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games. The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services. This includes walking out of practice earlier today.”
Miami HEAT statement on Jimmy Butler
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 27, 2025
The Miami HEAT are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games. (1/2)
When asked during a pregame press conference how his team would handle the latest incident, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t take the bait.
“I get it, what you guys want right now –– I figure that’s why this media room is full right now,” Spoelstra said. “We’re trying to quiet the noise, and we’re just focusing on the task at hand. There’s no better place to be than the present moment.”
However, relief may be just around the corner. As the statement mentions, Butler’s suspension is to last “no fewer than five games,” taking it past the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline. The team has been working to trade Butler over the past couple of weeks.
A potential roadblock to any deal is that Butler is seeking a massive contract extension from his new employer. The Heat refused that request this past offseason, sparking the current drama. In the meantime, Butler is losing out on over $530,000 during this latest suspension.
