Jimmy Butler was suspended from the Miami Heat for the second time within three weeks, a situation that raises doubts about his future with the team.

The latest suspension—set to last for two games—was issued due to what the team described as a “repeated pattern of rule violations and insubordination,” particularly for missing a flight to Milwaukee. The Heat, who were gearing up for a game against the Bucks on Thursday, now face additional challenges.

Miami’s head coach Erik Spoelstra refrained from commenting specifically on Butler but emphasized the importance of adapting to change in the competitive NBA environment. “The point I’ve made to our team is to get used to it. Get over it. This is the NBA life. This is the life we chose,” he said, stressing the need for resilience and focus on upcoming games.

Butler has expressed interest in being traded, a demand that has surfaced amid tension regarding his role and the lack of a substantial contract offer from the Heat since arriving in 2019. The team will consider his request by the trade deadline on February 6.

The Miami Heat’s recent schedule coincides with a padel tournament where Butler holds a leadership role, although it’s unclear if this contributed to his absence on the team flight. The situation surrounding Butler continues to develop as the franchise navigates these challenges.