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Jimmy Butler suspension, explained: Why Heat are suspending star indefinitely ahead of trade deadline

The Heat are suspending star forward Jimmy Butler indefinitely, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. This is the third time the team has suspended Butler while they try to find a trade partner for him.

Butler very publicly requested a trade from Miami, even going as far as to say at one point that he would prefer any other team than the Heat. This all picked up steam around Christmas when he was suspended for seven games for “conduct detrimental to the team.” Butler returned from that suspension, but he was then suspended again for two games because he missed the team plane.

Here’s why Butler has been suspended a third time by the Heat.

jimmy Butler

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Jimmy Butler suspension, explained

Butler has only played in 25 games this season. Miami had already suspended him for nine games, but now this suspension will likely last until the Heat find a trade for him. The team reportedly told Butler during Monday morning’s shootaround that Haywood Highsmith would be starting in his place going forward. Upon hearing the news, Butler walked out of practice, prompting the punishment.

Butler was very open about his desire to no longer play for the Heat. It feels like Miami got tired of hearing it and decided it wanted to play the guys who actually wanted to be on the team. The Heat have a 22-22 record, with the trade deadline looming just over a week away.

Butler was initially scheduled to return to action on Monday night as the Heat face the Magic at home. He had missed nine of the team’s last 12 games. The first seven were from his first suspension after he repeatedly talked publicly about no longer wanting to be in Miami. Butler returned for three games and then was suspended for two more games for “insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team, including missing. team flight to Milwaukee.”

After the first two suspensions, it is estimated that Butler has already lost about $3.1 million. With six more games until the trade deadline, that figure could continue to rise substantially.

MORE JIMMY BUTLER: Best trade destinations for Butler

Miami Heat statement

Miami confirmed the suspension and it specified that it will be at minimum a five-game suspension. This is notable because the Heat play five more games ahead of the trade deadline. Miami said this suspension is for “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.”

Jimmy Butler response to indefinite suspension

Buter took to his Instagram to post a response to the suspension. He tagged Kevin Love and posted this:

Jimmy Butler stats

  • 25 games
  • 30.6 minutes per game
  • 54% field goal percentage
  • 36.1% three-point percentage
  • 80.1% free throw percentage
  • 17 points per game
  • 5.2 rebounds per game
  • 4.8 assists per game

MORE JIMMY BUTLER: Latest Jimmy Butler trade rumors

Heat upcoming schedule

Date Opponent
January 27 vs. Magic
January 29 vs. Cavaliers
February 1 at Spurs
February 4 at Bulls
February 5 at 76ers
February 7 at Nets

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