Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler suspended 7 games after demanding trade, says he’s ‘not happy’ with team

Rumors about the star forward have been swirling for weeks Jimmy Butler He wanted out of Miami — even to the point where the Heat issued a statement saying it was a distraction and they wouldn’t trade him.

Well, in the week since, the team has come face-to-face and admitted in another statement on Friday that Butler asked to be transferredand they will try to fulfill this request.

In the same statement on Friday, the Heat announced they were suspending Butler for seven games “due to multiple instances of conduct that has hurt the team throughout the season and particularly over the last few weeks.”

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Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler warms up before Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets at Kaseya Center on June 9, 2023 in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Butler said about it on Thursday he has no “joy” playing basketball In Miami, and he wouldn’t find it again with the Heat.

“By his actions and his words, he has shown that he no longer wants to be a part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his agent have indicated that they want to be traded, so we will listen to offers.” The Heat said Friday.

Butler’s agent shut down ESPN reports that he wanted to be traded, but it seems the opposite has always been the case.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler leaves the court after the team’s win over the Boston Celtics during Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2022 in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

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Butler will miss Saturday’s home game against the Utah Jazz and then a six-game road trip that includes games against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers. and the Los Angeles Lakers.

In theory, the earliest Butler could play again for the Heat would be Jan. 17 at home against the Denver Nuggets — but that’s likely the last time he’s played in Miami.

Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler shoots during Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics on May 19, 2022, at FTX Arena in Miami. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game in his sixth season with the Heat. He played in two NBA Finals with them, winning both.

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