The Jimmy Butler saga has taken an ugly turn, with the Miami Heat confirming on Saturday that the face of the franchise has been suspended for seven games for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team”.
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And a trade now looks imminent, with the team also declaring that it will “listen” to offers from rival teams.
“Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team,” the statement read“Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”
It comes after report from ESPN’s Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst dropped on Friday afternoon, claiming the six-time All-Star has indicated to the Heat that he wants to be traded.
ESPN had previously reported on Christmas Day that Butler preferred a trade and had the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks as preferred landing spots.
However, in a clear indication of his strong desire to be traded, the latest ESPN report claimed Butler is open to playing anywhere.
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While players have in the past looked to make matters as awkward as possible to force a move, Butler is reportedly planning to take part in all team activities and will do what the Heat ask of him.
Although the seven-game suspension makes it clear the Heat believes Butler has already done enough damage.
On Friday, a frank Butler made his feelings on his current situation in Miami quite clear on Friday when, after scoring just nine points in a 128-115 loss to Indiana, he told reporters he had lost his joy playing with the Heat.
“I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon,” Butler said.
“I’m happy here off the court but I want to be back to somewhat dominant, I want to hoop and I want to help this team win, and right now I’m not doing it.”
Butler was then asked if he could get his joy back on the court with the Heat and, tellingly, replied: “Probably not”.
According to Barry Jackson from the Miami Herald, Butler was disappointed with the Heat when the team declined to offer him a 2-year, $113 million contract extension during the summer.Butler is earning $49 million this season and has a $52 million player option for next season.
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