Jimmy Butler, a forward, has been suspended indefinitely by the Miami Heat, the organization announced Monday. The punishment will be unpaid and last for at least five games.
Miami stated that Butler’s early departure from Monday’s practice led to the decision.
According to a statement from Miami, the suspension stems from a persistent pattern of disobedience to team rules, participation in actions that harm the team, and willful withholding of services. One example of this was leaving practice early today.
ESPN claims that Butler took this action after learning he would no longer be starting for Miami.
Butler has been suspended by the team three times this season. Earlier this month, he was sent home for two games and seven games.
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Following the Heat’s decision to not extend Butler’s contract before to the season, there have apparently been disagreements between Butler and the executive management.
Butler remarked, “I want to get my joy back,” following a defeat to the Indiana Pacers on January 2. “I’m content here, away from the court. However, I wish to return to a dominant person.
He said, “Probably not,” in response to the question of whether he could rediscover his happiness with the Heat.
One day after those remarks, Miami indicated in a statement that it would consider trade proposals and suspended Butler for seven games for actions that were detrimental to the franchise.
After allegedly missing a team aircraft to Milwaukee, Butler would return for three games before receiving a second suspension. Prior to the extended suspension, he was scheduled to play again on Monday against the Orlando Magic.
In 2019, Butler was traded to the Heat from the Philadelphia 76ers. He has since guided the squad to two trips to the NBA Finals, in 2020 and 2023. In 2022, Miami was the Eastern Conference’s top team.
Butler’s three-year contract extension is currently in its second year. Although he was eligible for a new agreement last summer, he has a player option for the upcoming season.
This season, the 35-year-old averages 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
Pat Riley, the president of the Heat, stated in May of last year that the organization was not in a rush to extend Butler.
At a press conference at the end of the season, Riley stated, “We don’t have to do that for a year.” “We need to consider making that kind of commitment, but we haven’t talked about it internally yet.