The rollercoaster saga of the Miami Heat with the All-Star Jimmy Butler continues, as he was reportedly suspended two games for missing the team’s flight due to travel, ESPN writes.
Heat they were headed to Milwaukee on Wednesday for their nationally televised Thursday night game against the Bucks, but Butler was not on the flight.
ESPN adds that Butler intended to travel to Milwaukee by a different route, but the Heat are expected to suspend him for the trip, which includes Saturday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
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Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat prepares to shoot a free throw against the Washington Wizards on February 2, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. (Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images)
This is the second internal suspension for Butler this season, which only adds to the turmoil highlighted by his trade request a few weeks ago.
Butler also served a seven-game suspension for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team,” although he remains a member of the Heat.
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Butler continues to play, but noted over the weekend that “the whole truth is going to come out” after filing for a trade.
“Sooner or later, the whole truth will come out, but until then, we’re going to keep letting people talk. And if I’m here, I’m going to go out there and play,” Butler told the media after playing in the team’s loss to Denver Nuggets at home.
Bulter also appears to have been frustrated by reports that his relationship with Miami players and the front office is strained.
“I expect people to talk,” Butler said. “Half the reason is because no one ever knows what I’m really doing, so you just make things up, which is fine. And, honestly, I don’t really pay attention to it. But I have people tell me, ‘Oh, they said that.’ So I guess everything is fine, I don’t need to clarify anything.
“So, more power. Keep talking, and we’ll see where we end up.”
Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 2, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old sparked controversy on social media as he was spotted wearing Phoenix Suns-themed sneakers on Tuesday night, which many believe was done on purpose as his preferred trade destination.
It also came just hours after the Suns received three future first-round picks from the Utah Jazz in exchange for another first-round pick.
Phoenix could use another star, as the roster led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker is just 21-21 this season.
Heat president Pat Riley said back in December, “We’re not trading Jimmy Butler.” However, the team’s attitude changed after that seven-game suspension.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) leaves the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)
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The Heat said they would “listen to offers” on Butler after announcing his suspension.
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