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The Miami Heat have suspended NBA star Jimmy Butler indefinitely without pay, citing Butler’s “detrimental conduct” in the wake of his recent trade demand.
On Monday (Jan. 27), the Heat announced he will be away from the team for a minimum of five games.
The suspension was handed down in response to Butler immediately exiting a practice session after being informed that his teammate, Haywood Highsmith, would be replacing him in the starting lineup ahead of the Heat’s matchup against the Orlando Magic that evening.
The team released a statement explaining their reasoning behind the reprimand, which is the third Butler has received during the month of January alone.
“The Miami Heat are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games,” the organization wrote in a statement.
“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.”
Butler and the Heat have repeatedly bumped heads since the former All-Star’s trade request, which came shortly after the new year. After publicly expressing his dissatisfaction with the organization, he was hit with a seven-game suspension, and received another two-game suspension for missing a team flight.
The swingman’s stats have also faltered this past month, with his scoring and shooting attempts dropping drastically, which many have attributed to Butler’s uninspired play and seeming lack of motivation.
With the NBA trade deadline, which ends Feb. 6 at 3:00 PM ET, quickly approaching, it remains unclear if Miami will be able to strike a deal to ship out Butler in time, or if the cold war between Butler and the Heat will continue to be a dark cloud over the organization.
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