Jimmy Butler Suspended Again by Miami Heat, This Time for Leaving Shootaround
Jimmy Butler was back from suspension. Again.
And then Butler got suspended by the Miami Heat. Again.
Butler has been suspended for the third time this month by the Heat, this one starting basically just as the second one was ending. The team said that Butler left Monday’s morning shootaround practice early, in advance of a game against the Orlando Magic — something the team called “intentionally withholding services.” The suspension is without pay and indefinite for now, with the team saying it will last at least five games.
The Latest Incident
Butler was expected to come back from his second suspension on Monday — only to be suspended for a third time. Butler, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, was told during the shootaround that he was not going to be back in the starting lineup for that night’s game against Orlando. He left the shootaround not long afterward, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team did not release that detail publicly.
The Team’s Statement
“The Miami Heat are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games,” read the team statement. “The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services. This includes walking out of practice earlier today.”
A Pattern of Behavior
Butler was suspended for Miami’s most recent two games after missing a team flight to Milwaukee last week.
Butler had missed 14 of Miami’s last 19 games entering Monday, including nine of the last 12 because of the suspensions — the first a seven-game ban for conduct that the team deemed detrimental, followed by the two-game suspension.
Butler’s Future with the Heat
Butler’s role going forward — starter or non-starter — was in some question even before the latest suspension was announced. Butler hasn’t come off the bench in a game since Jan. 27, 2017, exactly eight years ago Monday in a game against Miami, ironically, when he and then-Chicago teammate Dwyane Wade criticized how the Bulls were playing.
Including playoffs, Butler has started in each of his last 560 appearances.
Team Focused on the Present
“It kind of feels normal now at this point,” Heat guard Tyler Herro said at the morning shootaround when asked what it’s like to have Butler available again after a suspension — those words coming a few hours before the latest suspension was announced. “Kind of is what it is, but nothing’s guaranteed. We’ve just got to be ready to roll with whatever cards we’re dealt tonight. We’ve just got to be ready to go.”
A Trade Looms on the Horizon
Butler wants a trade, and Miami is trying to comply. But moving Butler and his $48.8 million salary this season is likely going to be more complicated than it would have been in past seasons, largely because of the league’s aprons — salary levels installed as part of the new collective bargaining agreement that restrict the ways bigger-spending teams can make certain moves.
It has been a saga that has lasted now for nearly two months and figures to come to a head — one way or another — over the next week and a half. The NBA’s trade deadline is Feb. 6, which meant the game against Orlando could have been one of the final times Butler plays a home game in Miami.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jimmy Butler’s latest suspension by the Miami Heat is a result of his continued disregard for team rules and conduct detrimental to the team. This is the third time this month that Butler has been suspended, and it is unclear when he will be able to return to the team.
FAQs
* What is the reason for Jimmy Butler’s latest suspension?
The reason for Butler’s latest suspension is that he left Monday’s morning shootaround practice early, in advance of a game against the Orlando Magic.
* How long will Butler’s suspension last?
Butler’s suspension is without pay and indefinite for now, with the team saying it will last at least five games.
* What is the team’s stance on Butler’s future with the team?
The team has not commented on Butler’s future with the team, but it is clear that his role going forward is in question.
* Is Butler seeking a trade?
Yes, Butler has asked for a trade, but it is unclear if the team will be able to accommodate his request.
