Jimmy Butler is anticipated to start for the Miami Heat this Friday against the Denver Nuggets following a suspension that kept him off the court for the past seven games due to conduct deemed detrimental to the team. This match will mark Butler’s return after both he and the Heat confirmed that they are considering a trade, as reported by Chris Haynes.

During his suspension, the Heat managed a 3-4 record. Initially, there were uncertainties about Butler’s future with the team, especially as trade negotiations continue without any resolution in sight. However, since he is not listed as an injury concern for the upcoming game against Denver, it indicates that the Heat are prepared for his return.

Butler was absent for the team’s six-game road trip and is set to have discussions with team officials and likely coach Erik Spoelstra to address his future and frustration regarding his role with the team, which he expressed after a loss to Indiana.

In his own words: “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball, wherever that may be — we’ll find out here pretty soon. I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here, off the court, but I want to be back to somewhere dominant. I want to hoop and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”

The situation between Butler and the Heat has become notably strained, especially following the team’s handling of his suspension, contradicting earlier assurances from team president Pat Riley that a trade wouldn’t happen. Complications arise as the NBA’s new collective bargaining rules make it challenging for influxing high-salary players like Butler, who earns nearly $49 million this season with a potential increase to $52 million next season.

At 35 years old, Butler’s current performance reflects a decline, averaging 17.6 points per game, currently the lowest since his early NBA career, despite achieving his best shooting percentage of 55% this season. He has previously been the cornerstone for two Heat teams that reached the NBA Finals and was eligible for a substantial contract extension that was never realized, leading to the souring of relations with the franchise.