Erik Spoelstra Explains Why He Benched Jimmy Butler In The 4th Quarter Amid Trade Rumors

Jimmy Butler didn't take the court during the fourth quarter of the Miami Heat's 119-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra spoke after the game about his decision to keep Butler on the bench for the entire fourth quarter, noting that he didn't want to overwork Butler after he had just returned from an injury, taking him out of the game with 3:29 remaining in the third quarter.

"13 days is a long time away. I just went with the group there in the fourth that was giving us the most and to see if that group could close it out."

While it might seem like an innocuous comment, Spoelstra's use of the words 'giving us the most' suggests that he wasn't thrilled with Butler's output on the night. This is a far cry considering how adamant Coach Spo was about wanting Jimmy to stay with the Heat.

In the 25 minutes that Butler was on the court, Butler played decently but didn't set the score sheet on fire. He put up just nine points (3-5 FG), four rebounds, four three-pointers made, and two assists. His absence from the team definitely showed as he wasn't able to match the level he was playing at prior to his injury.

The past few weeks have been focused almost entirely on Butler's future with the Miami Heat. Ever since Pat Riley told him to 'Shut his mouth' last year, fans have been counting the days till the relationship between the player and the team fell apart. However, while Butler prefers to leave the Heat, the Heat made it clear that they will not be letting him go.

Pat Riley put out a brash statement to the press saying that they have no intention of trading Butler away, intending to honor their contract with him till the end of the season.

Butler And Riley's Relationship Has Gotten Strained

Pat Riley and Jimmy Butler felt like the perfect marriage when it comes to a player and franchise executive's relationship. But the last year has caused their relationship to suffer quite a lot.

Butler reportedly was stunned when he heard Pat Riley's comments last summer. And recently, when speaking with the press, he seemed to take a passive-aggressive dig at Riley and the organization when trying to give a non-answer to the press.

As far as wanting to stay with the Miami Heat, Butler was straight up with the press, telling them that he doesn't know whether he wants to continue the relationship. But behind closed doors, it was a different story, as Butler was reportedly disappointed that the Heat didn't offer him a two-year extension.

We pitched a massive move that sees Butler become one of two All-Stars to join the San Antonio Spurs to play with Victor Wembanyama. But, another Texas team should also try and make Butler their priority, as he is exactly what they need to take the next step after a strong start to the season.

Things between Riley and Butler have gotten so bad that the former All-Star was the only Heat player not to attend his Christmas party. The current situation between the Heat and Butler appears untenable, and the Heat might want to cut their losses and move on while they can still get something in return.