Miami Heat suspended star Jimmy Butler for 7 games after requesting trade, says he’s not ‘happy’ with team

For weeks, there were rumors that the star was ahead Jimmy Butler wanted from Miami – it even got to the point where the Heat released a statement saying it was a distraction and that they wouldn’t be trading him.

Well, within a week the team has since changed face, admitting in another statement on Friday that Butler asked to move itand they will endeavor to fulfill this request.

In the same statement Friday, the Heat announced they had suspended Butler for seven games “for numerous instances of conduct that has harmed the team throughout the season and especially over 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 Kaseya Center in Miami on June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Butler said Thursday he has no “joy” to play basketball in Miami and he won’t be able to find it again with the Heat.

“By his actions and statements, he has demonstrated that he no longer wants to be a part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his rep have indicated they want to be traded, so we’ll listen to offers.” Heat said on Friday.

Butler’s agent shut down reports from ESPN 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 on May 27, 2022 in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

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Butler will not be with the team for Saturday’s home game against the Utah Jazz and then the entire six-game road trip that will include games against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers “, “Los Angeles Clippers”. and the Los Angeles Lakers.

In theory, Butler can’t play again for the Heat until Jan. 17 at home against the Denver Nuggets, but that’s likely the last time he’s played for Miami.

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 in his sixth season with the Heat. He played in two NBA Finals with them, losing both.

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