Things turned from bad to worse for Jimmy Butler quickly.
The Heat management has suspended their disgruntled star for seven games for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team," just one day removed from his statements in Miami’s loss against the Indiana Pacers last Friday, January 3.
In that post-game press conference, Butler made some comments about not being able to find "joy" in Miami anymore with reports coming out immediately that he wants to be traded out of the team.
"Probably not."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 3, 2025
—Jimmy Butler when asked if he could get his joy back in Miami.
[ALSO READ: Heat star Jimmy Butler wants out of Miami--reportsHeat star Jimmy Butler wants out of Miami--reports]
The statement also added that the team “will listen to offers’ surrounding their feisty veteran.
It was contradicting on Heat President Pat Riley’s comments just two weeks ago that the team will not trade their multi-time All-Star amidst uncertainties to his future.
[ALSO READ: Amidst trade rumors, Jimmy Butler unsure on future with Heat: “Who knows?]
But that's all in the past now.
Butler’s role with the Heat this season seemed to diminish, which saw his numbers decreased across all the boards. He averaged just 17.6 points compared to last season’s 20.8, while taking fewer shots now at 10.5 per game than 13.2 tallied a season ago.
Miami is currently at the no. 6 spot in the East at 17-15 and struggled to find consistency with Butler being in and out of the line-up.
