Report: Heat Player Says Jimmy Butler Would Be Welcomed Back If He Gives Max Effort
February 5, 2025
One unnamed Miami Heat player told Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel that Jimmy Butler, who is currently serving an indefinite suspension, would be welcomed back to the team if he plays to his capabilities.
"One teammate privately said that the roster would embrace a Butler who would return at the top of his game," Winderman wrote.
"Among the reasons for the three suspensions had been management's perceived lack of such effort in games last month."
Butler, who has requested a trade, was previously suspended seven games for "conduct detrimental to the team." He was then suspended two games for missing a team flight to Milwaukee. Now, with the trade deadline one day away, he's serving an indefinite suspension, as Miami explained on Jan. 27.
The 35-year-old Butler is a six-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA Team member and a five-time NBA All-Defensive Team honoree. He's been with Miami since 2019, leading the team to two NBA Finals appearances along the way.
It's been a successful ride in Miami, but this pending divorce has been ugly to say the least.
Butler's last five full games on the court with Miami haven't gone particularly well for him either, as he's averaged just 11.4 points in 27.8 minutes per contest.
He's obviously capable of much better play. Of note, Butler posted 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists last year.
There's been some acrimony in Miami. Butler was eligible for a two-year, $113 million extension last summer, but the Heat never made that offer to him.
He has a $52.4 million player option for 2025-26. If he declines it, he'll be a free agent.
So there's a lot of uncertainty in Butler's basketball future right now. A lot could be cleared up by the NBA trade deadline time of Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, but in the meantime, Butler (and the Heat) remain in limbo.
