By Floyd Barber
1 27 2025
The Miami HEAT are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games. 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.
*******************************************************************************************************************************************
2024-25 SEASON IN DEPTH FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
On January 3, 2025, the Heat suspended Butler for seven games, citing multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team throughout the season. The suspension followed reports of Butler’s growing discontent and his statement the previous day that he no longer believed he could be happy playing in Miami. In an official statement, the Heat confirmed that Butler and his representative had requested a trade and announced their intention to consider offers. Butler returned to the Heat on January 17 in a game against the Denver Nuggets, scoring 18 points in a 133–113 loss. On January 22, he was again suspended by the Heat for two games due to a pattern of detrimental conduct. Butler had missed the team flight to Milwaukee earlier in the day to play against the Bucks. On January 27, the Heat suspended Butler for an indefinite period of time without pay after he walked out of practice before a game against the Magic. He left after learning that Haywood Highsmith would be replacing him in the starting lineup. The Heat said in their official statement that the suspension was to last at least five games, which would take it through the NBA’s trade deadline on February 6.
COURTESY MIAMI HEAT COMMUNICATIONS AND WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
