Photo: Jimmy Butler Makes Michael Jordan Reference in Statement Ahead of Heat Return
January 17, 2025
Jimmy Butler has returned.
On Friday night, Butler will be coming back from a seven-game suspension that occurred shortly after he indicated that he wanted to be traded from the Miami Heat.
Butler's agent paid homage to Michael Jordan's iconic fax in a post on social media.
Heat forward Kevin Love also gave his reaction to the news.
Butler will be in Miami's starting lineup for a clash with the Denver Nuggets, with tipoff at 8 p.m. ET.
The Heat announced that the 35-year-old was suspended for "multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team."
The move occurred just after Butler told reporters that he wanted to get his happiness back on the court.
"I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball," Butler said on Jan. 2. "Wherever that may be, we'll find out here pretty soon."
ESPN's Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported that an "issue" that led to the six-time All-Star's decision was an implication from team officials that he didn't play his hardest throughout a win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 1.
Butler started 22 games to open his 2024-25 campaign prior to the suspension, averaging 17.6 points and 5.5 rebounds to go along with 4.7 assists per game. He shot 55.2 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from behind the arc.
His trade value may not change much with one game considering his status as a two-way star that rises to the occasion in the playoffs, but performing at an elite level following his return could speed up the trade process and entice a potential suitor to make a move.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Phoenix Suns are among the teams interested in acquiring Butler, and one league source revealed that the Suns "want him bad."
As the Heat look to stop a brief two-game losing streak, Butler could be attempting to make a statement in his return as the Feb. 6 trade deadline draws closer.
