Jimmy Butler’s tumultuous relationship with the Miami Heat took another turn on Monday as the team is suspending the six-time NBA All-Star for the third time this season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Per Charania, the suspension came after Butler walked out of a team shootaround after being informed that he would no longer be starting.
The team has called the suspension “indefinite,” but the Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman reported that it will last a minimum of five games.
It’s the latest sign of a deteriorating relationship between the two. Butler was first suspended by the heat earlier this month after publicly stating that he didn’t think he could find joy playing basketball again in Miami.
That suspension, which lasted seven games, was officially due to Butler making a public trade request, according to a team statement.
Jimmy Butler walked out of Heat shootaround this morning after being informed the team is planning not to start him — with Haywood Highsmith starting — moving forward, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/8I31eT524l
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 27, 2025
Then, on Jan. 22, Butler was suspended an additional two games after missing a team flight. Now, he faces his third suspension of the month, and while he could potentially return after five games, it’s unclear if the superstar will suit up again for Miami.
Butler has appeared in 25 games this season and is averaging 17 points, the fewest since his third season in the NBA in 2013-14. The 35-year-old has played for the Heat since 2019.
Update: This was how Butler reacted to the news on Instagram.
