NBAPA at will ‘file a grievance’ in response to Jimmy Butler’s suspension

The fallout from Jimmy Butler’s press conference is continuing.

A day after Butler said, “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball” and said that it would “Probably not” happen in Miami, the Heat suspended the six-time All-Star forward for seven games.

On Friday night, the NBAPA issued a statement in response.

“The 7-game suspension imposed tonight by the Miami Heat on Jimmy Butler is excessive and inappropriate, and we intend to file a grievance challenging the discipline,” the statement said.

The 7-game suspension imposed tonight by the Miami Heat on Jimmy Butler is excessive and inappropriate, and we intend to file a grievance challenging the discipline. pic.twitter.com/IhJDVquOwc

— NBPA (@TheNBPA) January 4, 2025

Shams Charania of ESPN had reported earlier that a grievance was coming. He also noted, “The grievance process is lengthy, however, and will likely not stop suspension.”

The National Basketball Players Association will soon file a grievance to dispute the Miami Heat’s seven-game suspension of Jimmy Butler, sources tell me and @WindhorstESPN. The grievance process is lengthy, however, and will likely not stop suspension.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 4, 2025

While Thursday’s press conference wasn’t specifically cited, the team’s statement said that the suspension was “For multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.” The team also said it “Will listen to offers” regarding a trade, which team president Pat Riley had previously said would not happen this season.

[NBAPA/Shams Charania on X]