Miami Heat All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler has been suspended by his own team for seven games following a heated, contentious last several months, while the 6-foot-7 small forward has very visibly pined to be traded away from the team.
Miami released a press statement on the suspension explaining the team's thinking.
Miami HEAT statement on Jimmy Butler:
We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.
"We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks," the statement read.
"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," Miami noted.
Just yesterday, it was reported that Butler had once again demanded to be traded away from the Heat.
Read More: Heat Star Jimmy Butler Request Trade to Play 'Anywhere' But Miami
Longtime Miami team president Pat Riley had previously responded to Butler's reported December trade demands with a public press release, where he insisted that the club would not flip the six-time All-Star anywhere in-season.
"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," Riley said in the presser. "Therefore, we will make it clear - We are not trading Jimmy Butler."
Read More: Pat Riley Releases Statement on Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors
Just eight days later, that is obviously no longer the case, as the five-time All-NBA honoree has now made things incredibly uncomfortable in South Beach.
This story will be updated...
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