Miami Heat suspend star Jimmy Butler 7 games after requesting trade, says he’s ‘unhappy’ with team
Rumors swirled for weeks that the star was ahead Jimmy Butler wanted from Miami — it even got to the point where the Heat released a statement saying it had become a distraction and they wouldn’t be trading him.
Well, in the span of a week, the team has since turned about face, admitting in a second statement on Friday that Butler requested a transferand they will try to fulfill that request.
In the same statement on Friday, the Heat announced it had suspended Butler for seven games “due to multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team throughout the season and particularly over the last several weeks.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS REPORTS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler warms up before Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets at the Kaseya Center in Miami on June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Butler said Thursday there is no “joy” in playing basketball in Miami and won’t be able to find it again with the Heat.
“He has shown by his actions and statements that he no longer wants to be a part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have made it known that they want to be traded, so we will listen to offers,” The Heat said Friday.
Butler’s agent shut down ESPN reports that he wanted to be traded, but it seems the opposite was always the case.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler leaves the court after the team’s win 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)
JIMMY BUTLER ODDS FOR NEXT TEAM: WILL STAR GUARD STAY IN MIAMI PAST TRADE DEADLINE?
Butler will not be with the team for Saturday’s home game against the Utah Jazz and then a six-game road trip that will include games against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers .
In theory, the earliest Butler could play again for the Heat is Jan. 17 at home against the Denver Nuggets — but that’s likely the last time he’s played for Miami.
Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler shoots during Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics at FTX Arena in Miami on May 19, 2022. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
In his sixth season with the Heat, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. He played with them in two NBA finals, losing both.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports broadcast on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
