The Miami Heat have suspended forward Jimmy Butler indefinitely without pay following a “continued pattern of disregard of team rules”, the team announced on Monday.
Butler, who was due to return from a two-game suspension on Monday after missing a team flight to Milwaukee, will now be out indefinitely, making it his third suspension this month.
Miami revealed that Butler left the team’s shootaround early ahead of their game against the Orlando Magic, and the three-time NBA champions added that the suspension will “last no fewer than five games”.
Miami HEAT statement on Jimmy Butler
The Miami HEAT are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games. (1/2)
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 27, 2025
Butler has played only five of the Heat’s last 19 games before Monday, including being absent from nine of the last 12 due to suspension—having previously also served a seven-game ban for conduct that the team deemed detrimental.
The six-time All-Star, who has repeatedly reiterated his love for the city of Miami and has unequivocally stated that his problem was with the team, is seeking a trade away from the Magic City.
The NBA’s trade deadline is 6 February, leaving little time for the Heat to try to move him away from the team, a situation that is also affected by his $48.8 million salary this season.
The 35-year-old is currently averaging 17 points per game this season, including 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 54% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc.
The Heat are at home next against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday before heading for a four-game road trip to San Antonio, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn, with the Nets game a day after the trade deadline.