Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler’s suspension is over.
The conundrum between Butler and the Heat remains as the Heat figure out what to do with Butler, who the Heat say, asked for a trade ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
On Jan. 3, the Heat suspended Butler seven games for “for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.’
‘Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers,” the team said in a news release.
That statement came a week after Miami Heat president Pat Riley said, “We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear – We are not trading Jimmy Butler.”
A trade seems more likely than not at this point. The Heat play Denver Friday night, and with Butler’s suspension over, where do the Heat go from here?
Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight?
Butler was not listed on the injury report and was in the starting lineup Friday against the Nuggets. In Miami’s 133-113 loss, Butler had 18 points, on 7-for-15 shooting, three rebounds and two assists. The Heat play San Antonio at home Sunday.
Jimmy Butler trade rumors: Talks intensify
The Heat have taken calls and listened to offers but haven’t found the right deal. However, with the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaching, the intensity of talks has begun to increase, a person familiar with discussions told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about trade talks.
The Heat don’t like the distraction, and both sides – headstrong as Riley and Butler both are – would like a fresh start without the other.
Who will trade for Jimmy Butler?
The Phoenix Suns are rumored to be one team interested in Butler, but that involves the Heat taking Bradley Beal and the two seasons and $110.7 million remaining on Beal’s contract. Plus, Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract. The Suns would be willing to give Butler another financially significant contract.
The Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings are other teams to watch in the Butler sweepstakes.
Jimmy Butler stats
In 22 games, Butler averages 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals and shoots 55.2% from the field, 37.5% on 3-pointers and 78.8% on free throws. That’s solid offensive efficiency. However, it is a reduced offensive role as Butler is averaging his fewest points and taking his fewest field goal attempts since 2013-14. Butler is not enamored with his usage.
Jimmy Butler contract
Butler is under contract through 2025-26 and is owed $52.4 million next season. However, Butler has a player option on next season and can become a free agent in the summer.
Is it possible the Heat don’t trade Jimmy Butler before the deadline?
There is the idea that Miami doesn’t trade Butler if it doesn’t find the right deal. That option comes with a risk, too. Butler could decide to play out the final year of the contract and make the Heat pay him – and make an uncomfortable situation even more uncomfortable. The Heat don’t want that.
(This story was updated to add new information.)