
Miami Heat Suspends Jimmy Butler for Practice Walkout
Jimmy Butler faces indefinite suspension from the Miami Heat after leaving practice when informed he would not start in the upcoming game against the Orlando Magic.
The Miami Heat have suspended Jimmy Butler indefinitely, the team announced Monday.
Butler was expected to play against the Orlando Magic on Monday night, following his second suspension this month, but left the practice after being told he wouldn’t be starting.
According to ESPN, Butler had been suspended for the team’s last two games after missing a flight to Milwaukee last week. He has also missed 14 of Miami’s last 19 games, including nine of the last 12 due to suspensions—a seven-game ban for conduct deemed detrimental, followed by the recent two-game suspension.
Including playoff games, Butler hasn’t come off the bench since January 27, 2017, in a game against Miami, where he and former teammate Dwyane Wade criticized the Bulls’ performance.
“It kind of feels normal now at this point,” said Tyler Herro, when asked about Butler’s status after a suspension. “Kind of is what it is, but nothing’s guaranteed. We’ve got to be ready to roll with whatever cards we’re dealt tonight.”
Rumors suggest that Butler is seeking a trade, a situation complicated by the league’s salary cap regulations which affect high-earning players. The trade deadline is approaching on February 6, indicating that Butler may have played his final game for Miami.
Butler has previously stated, “I love this city with everything that I have,” during a recent padel tournament he co-chaired.
The Miami Heat’s upcoming games include a matchup against Cleveland at home followed by a road trip.
Butler has averaged 17 points per game this season and recorded impressive stats in December, including a game where he scored 35 points, had 19 rebounds, and made 10 assists against Detroit.