Heat suspend Jimmy Butler for ‘multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team’

The Miami Heat announced on Friday that Jimmy Butler is being suspended for seven games.

Rumors have long swirled regarding Butler’s discontent in Miami. On Thursday it became more than a rumor or report. Butler said in a press conference that he wanted to get his “joy back” from basketball and when asked if that can happen with the Heat, responded, “Probably not.”

A day later, the Heat announced Butler’s suspension.

“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks,” the statement said.

Miami HEAT statement on Jimmy Butler:

We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 4, 2025

The team’s statement also noted that it “will listen to offers” regarding a Butler trade, something that team president Pat Riley previously said would not happen.

“Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”

Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 4, 2025

Butler, a six-time All-Star has been with the Heat since the 2019-20 season. He’s helped lead the team to Eastern Conference championships in 2020 and 2023. He’s played 22 games this season and is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 30.8 minutes per game. While he had a lower rebound average (5.3) last season, the other totals are all lows since joining the Heat.

[Miami Heat on X]