Insider says Jimmy Butler-Heat saga brewing for a year

The strained relationship between Jimmy Butler and the Heat became public knowledge only recently, but the bitterness between the two parties has reportedly been brewing for over a year. 

According to The Stein Line's Jake Fischer, Butler's alleged pattern of behavior — which landed him a seven-game suspension — dates back at least a year. Fischer noted that among Butler's many "transgressions" were multiple instances where he sat out morning shootarounds and didn't bother to inform team officials of his decision. 

Furthermore, Butler, on several occasions, insisted on flying private instead of boarding the Heat's chartered team flights. Even Butler's close friend, Kyle Lowry, reportedly "grew tired" of his antics and his decision to isolate himself from the rest of the team. Incidentally, Lowry was traded in Jan. 2024, indicating that Butler's behavior may have played a role in the Heat front office's decision.  

Fischer's bombshell report is the latest indicator of Butler's lack of professionalism, or attitude unbecoming of a pro athlete. Over the weekend, Heat legend Tim Hardaway Sr. made the shocking claim that Butler left his teammates out to dry last month when they traveled to the Magic for an away fixture. The official game report noted that Butler was "not with the team."

"[Jimmy Butler] let those guys down by not playing in Orlando and then out kicking it somewhere," Hardaway told SiriusXM NBA Radio. "People were calling me saying, 'Man, he's not even playing in Orlando. He's at Prime 112 kicking it and eating and hanging out with folks."

Hardaway also praised Heat president Pat Riley for standing up to Butler and not allowing the latter to run roughshod over the organization.