Two weeks after requesting a trade and facing a seven-game suspension for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team,” Jimmy Butler, still with the Miami Heat, returned to the court on Friday night.

Butler, who contributed 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting in a 133-113 loss at home against the Denver Nuggets, addressed his absence post-game.

“I knew I was going to play,” Butler said. “That’s what they had told me, but there were many things said by everyone except for me, to tell you the truth. We’ll let people keep talking, as if they know everything, like they have all the answers.”

“So sooner or later, the whole truth will come out, but until then, we’ll continue to let people talk. If I’m here, I will get out there to play.”

Butler also showed disappointment over several reports regarding his relationship with his teammates in Miami and a potential rift with the front office.

“I expect for people to talk,” he expressed. “Half the reason is because nobody ever knows what I’m really doing, so they just make up stories, which is fine. Honestly, I don’t pay any attention to it. However, I have people informing me, ‘Oh they said this, they said that.’ So I guess it’s all good. I don’t have to clear anything up.”

“So more power to you. Keep talking, and we’ll see where we end up.”

At 35, Butler holds a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, which he is anticipated to decline, potentially becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Phoenix Suns are reportedly among those interested in acquiring Butler before the February 6 NBA trade deadline.

In the 23 games this season, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, his lowest since the 2013-14 season, along with 5.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 54.7% from the field and 35.3% from three.

The Miami Heat currently hold a 20-20 record, placing them ninth in the Eastern Conference.

Having spent the past six seasons with the Heat, Butler has led them to the NBA Finals twice (2020 and 2023). Previously, he briefly played for the Philadelphia 76ers, who acquired him from the Minnesota Timberwolves, following his initial six seasons with the Chicago Bulls.