After a prolonged absence and suspension following a public trade request, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is expected to return to the court tonight.
Even though his ongoing feud with Heat executive Pat Riley is still not resolved, Butler does not yet have a new home. While there are perhaps several suitors (including the Suns) with potential interest in the veteran, without a deal, Butler is still employed by the Heat and obligated to play.
How many more games will he have in Miami? That much is unclear. But at least for now, they will start with one.
Awkward though it may feel, this is indeed his job and there are certain duties that come with that. But are there potential ramifications that come with that? Here is more from Ramona Shelburne (via ESPN):
While Heat sources say they expect Butler to return Friday against the Nuggets and are fully prepared for him to play, there remains a palpable dread at what he might do and the environment the ongoing chaos might create. “I don’t know how he can come back to this locker room,” one source close to the team said. Said another, “We don’t want him back.”
Someone close to Shelburne added that Butler “hasn’t even really started” trying to make things uncomfortable yet.
We have seen what happens when Butler does not want to play somewhere, and it has gotten intense before. If you need a refresher, just recall his famous practice incident when he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
It is unclear if Butler will try to make it awkward in Miami or if he does what feels best for the team. Either way, though, it is fascinating to follow.
