Rumors have been circulating for weeks about this star forward Jimmy Butler He wanted out of Miami — until it got to the point where the Heat issued a statement saying it had become a distraction and they wouldn't trade him.
Well, within a week, the team has since changed direction, admitting as much in another statement on Friday Butler has asked to be transferredand they will look to meet this demand.
In the same statement on Friday, the Heat announced Butler had been suspended for seven games “for multiple instances of behavior detrimental to the team over the course of the season and especially the past few weeks.”
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Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler warms up before Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets at the Cascia Center in Miami on June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Butler said that Thursday He doesn't have the “fun” of playing basketball in Miami and will never be able to find him again with the Heat.
He added: “By his actions and statements, he has shown that he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated their desire to sign him, so we will listen to the offers.” Heat said Friday.
Butler's agent shut down ESPN reports that he wanted to be traded, but it seemed like it was always the other way around.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler leaves the court after the team's victory over the Boston Celtics during Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden in Boston on May 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
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Butler will not be with the team for its home game Saturday against the Utah Jazz and then the entirety of a six-game road trip that will include games against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers. And Los Angeles Lakers.
Theoretically, the soonest Butler could play again for the Heat is Jan. 17 at home against the Denver Nuggets — but it's possible he played for Miami for the last time.
Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat shoots during Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics at FTX Arena in Miami on May 19, 2022. (Michael Reeves/Getty Images)
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Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game in his sixth season with the Heat. He played with them in two NBA Finals, losing both.
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