The GIST: Miami Heat’s six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler may have just played his final game with the team due to a seven-game suspension caused by controversial comments about his displeasure on the court in Miami.
The context: Since joining the Heat in 2019, Butler and the Heat Culture appeared to be a perfect match. Known for his gritty and bold style of play, Butler seemed like a natural fit for team president Pat Riley’s unapologetic organization. Under his leadership, the team reached the NBA Finals twice (in 2020 and 2023) and Butler built a strong postseason reputation.
If this story sounds familiar, that’s because Butler also had a tumultuous exit from the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018.
The latest: The tension between Butler and the Heat has been brewing for some time but reached a boiling point in December. Despite Riley’s statement on the 26th that Miami had no intention of trading Butler, his response on the 31st to a question about his desire to play for the team was unsettling: “That’s a good question.” As a result, Butler is currently sidelined until another team acquires him before the upcoming trade deadline on February 6th. Breakups can be messy, huh?
