The Miami Heat suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team during the season and the situation has escalated in recent weeks, the team announced.
Things reached a fever pitch Thursday night, when Butler made comments after the game criticizing the organization and how he lost his love of basketball in Miami.
Now, Butler's last game as a member of the Heat could be behind him with the trade deadline approaching on February 6.
Eight days ago, Heat president Pat Riley said the team will not trade Butler before the deadline.
Now, the team has changed its mind, making the correct course clear in a statement announcing his suspension.
'Through his actions and statements, he has shown that 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,” read a statement from the Heat.
The Miami Heat suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games after Thursday's comments.
Butler may have played his last game in Miami after saying he lost his love for basketball
Butler said Thursday that he would be willing to play anywhere but Miami. Now comes that opportunity, as interest in the 35-year-old should arise.
Butler has been with the Heat since 2019, the second-longest stay of his professional career, one year less than his first team, the Chicago Bulls.
More to come.