The Miami Heat’s rollercoaster saga with All-Star Jimmy Butler continues as they reportedly suspend him two games for missing a team flight for a road trip, according to ESPN.
The Heat were headed to Milwaukee on Wednesday for their nationally televised game against the Bucks on Thursday night, but Butler was not on the plane.
ESPN adds that Butler intended to come to Milwaukee another way, but the Heat are expected to suspend him for the road trip, which also includes a Saturday 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 him requesting a trade a few weeks ago.
Butler was also suspended seven games for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team,” though he remains a member of the Heat.
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Butler continues to play, but he noted over the weekend that “the whole truth will come out” after making his trade request.
“Sooner or later the whole truth will come out, but until then we’re going to continue to let people talk. And if I’m here, I’m going to come out there to play,” Butler told the media after playing in the team’s loss to Denver Nuggets at home.
Bulter also appeared to be frustrated by the reports that said his relationship with Miami players and the front office was 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 stuff up, which is fine. And honestly, I really don’t pay attention to it. But I have people , who told me, ‘Oh, they said that, they said that.’ So it’s really good, I don’t need to clarify anything.
“So more power to you. 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 some controversy on social media when he was spotted wearing Phoenix Suns-themed sneakers on Tuesday night, with many believing it was targeted as his desired trade destination.
It also came just hours after the Suns acquired three future first-round picks from the Utah Jazz in exchange for another first-round pick.
Phoenix could use another star as the Kevin Durant-Devin Booker-led roster is just 21-21 this season.
Heat president Pat Riley said back in December, “We’re not trading Jimmy Butler.” But the team’s attitude changed after the seven-match suspension.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Rick Osentoski-Imagn Photos)
The Heat said they would “listen to offers” for Butler after announcing his suspension.
