Miami Heat Suspend Jimmy Butler Two Games For Missing Team Flight

The Miami Heat announced Wednesday that it was suspending forward Jimmy Butler for two games after the disgruntled star missed a team flight. After serving a seven-game suspension earlier this month, Butler only played in three games before returning to the shelf.

“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for two games for continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team, including missing today’s team flight to Milwaukee,” the Heat said in a statement.

Butler and Miami have been at odds all season, as multiple trade rumors and reported locker room issues seem to reflect deeper differences between the two sides. After Butler’s agent Bernie Lee and Heat President Pat Riley both vehemently denied reports of trade talks, Miami suspended Butler for insubordinate behavior and an apparent disinterest in playing.

The star forward’s return was enthusiastic even as he struggled to get back into mid-season form, but Wednesday’s suspension is yet another misstep in the working relationship. Butler reportedly arranged his own travel plans for the Heat’s road trip, something he has done in the past. In this instance, the team has taken a stand and punished him for it.

Based on the existing drama between Butler and Miami’s front office, this second suspension could be enough to sever whatever semblance of a relationship the two sides still have. Butler was almost certainly leaving at the end of the season anyway, but as the 21-21 Heat continue to tumble down the Eastern Conference standings, it could soon be prudent to finally capitulate and trade him away.

Since arriving in Miami in 2019, Butler has led the Heat to the playoffs four times, including two upset NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023. Known as a solid player in the regular season, he has developed a reputation for extraordinary play in the postseason, which has lifted otherwise average Heat rosters well beyond expectations. At age 35, there could still be time for another meaningful stint. The chances of that happening in Miami are increasingly unlikely.

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Article by Patrick Moquin