The Miami Heat’s roller coaster saga with All-Star Jimmy Butler continues, as they reportedly suspended him two games for missing a team flight for a road trip, according to ESPN.
The Heat were traveling to Milwaukee on Wednesday for their nationally televised game against the Bucks on Thursday night, but Butler was not on the flight.
ESPN adds that Butler intended to travel to Milwaukee another way, but the Heat are expected to hold him off 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 Butler’s second internal suspension this season, which only adds to the turmoil highlighted by his trade request a few weeks ago.
Butler also served a seven-game suspension for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team”, although he remains a member of the Heat.
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Butler continues to play, but he noted this weekend that “the whole truth will come out” after he makes his trade request.
“Sooner or later the whole truth will come out, but until then we’ll continue to let people talk. And if I’m here, I’ll go play,” Butler told the media after playing on the team. loss to the Denver Nuggets at home.
Bulter also seemed frustrated by reports that his relationships with Miami players and the front office were strained.
“I expect people to talk,” Butler said. “Half the reason is that no one ever knows what I really do, so you just make stuff up, which is fine. And, honestly, I really don’t pay attention to it. But I get people to tell me were saying, “Oh, they said this, they said that.” So I guess it’s okay 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 done deliberately as a desired commercial destination .
This 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 lineup is just 21-21 this season.
Heat president Pat Riley said last December, “We’re not trading Jimmy Butler.” However, the team’s stance changed after this seven-game suspension.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) leaves the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)
The Heat said they would “listen to offers” on Butler after announcing his suspension.
