JIMMY Butler’s time with Miami is officially coming to an end sooner than later, with the Heat ready to listen to offers for the six-time All-Star.
In an official statement, the Heat announced that it’s putting the do-it-all forward on ice, suspending him for seven games for “conduct detrimental to the team,” while adding that it's now giving in to Butler’s wish of being moved.
“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks,” the statement said.
“Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”
Butler publicly asked for a trade before 2024 ended, but Heat president Pat Riley shot down those talks, saying that they have no plans of trading the 35-year-old.
But four days into 2025, the organization is now pivoting towards a new direction — basically putting Butler on the market with its proclamation.
In six years with Miami, Butler was the face of so-called “Heat Culture,” the movement which centered around unheralded players succeeding by playing hard, tough, and as one.
He made the All-Star team twice with the Heat and led the team to two finals appearances — first in 2020 against the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers and then 2023 when they lost again, this time to the Denver Nuggets.
But 35 games into this season, Butler can’t find his “joy” playing with the team any longer, leading to this ugly breakup.
Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals for the season.
In what could be his last game with the Heat, he finished with nine points, four assists, and two steals in their 128-115 loss to conference rivals Indiana Pacers.
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