Inside The Heat

Breaking: Miami Heat Suspend Jimmy Butler, ‘Will Listen’ to Trade Offers

Jake Elman

Dec 8, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler's (22) looks on before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler's (22) looks on before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images / Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
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Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler returned to the court Wednesday after a prolonged absence.

Now, the Heat will be without Butler again—except this time, it’s by choice.

The Heat announced a seven-game suspension for Butler on Friday night, less than 24 hours after ESPN reported the All-Star requested a trade. Miami cited “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team” for the suspension.

“Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of the team,” the Heat said. “Jimmy Butler and his representatives have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”

The punishment comes, in part, following Butler’s viral postgame press conference Thursday night. Butler was extremely candid with reporters after an underwhelming nine-point outing in a 128-115 loss. 

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

When asked if he could get his joy back in Miami, Butler responded, “Probably not.”

Now, we’ll see if Butler even plays another game for the Heat.

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Jake Elman works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat on SI. He can be reached at jakeelman97@gmail.com or follow him on X @JakeElman97.

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Jake Elman
JAKE ELMAN

Jake Elman is a veteran sports journalist and graduate of Florida Atlantic University’s journalism program. In recent years, he has covered the NFL for EndGame360 and served as the sports content lead for ExpressVPN. He also covered the Lane Kiffin years at FAU for the Palm Beach Post.