Report: Miami Heat Issues Another Jimmy Butler Suspension

This suspension comes after Butler has reportedly distanced himself from the organization amid trade rumors. Reports also state he had multiple occasions of missing team shoot-arounds, while also requesting private flights rather than traveling with the team. Earlier this month, he served a seven-game suspension after commenting that playing for the Miami Heat ruined his joy for the game. He returned to the court last week.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst also reported earlier this week that Butler's full focus is on his next trade destination. Earlier this week, Butler's preferred destination, the Phoenix Suns, traded for multiple first-round picks. The transaction is leading many to believe a trade between the Heat and Suns could be imminent. Butler's desire to team up with All-Stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant in Phoenix has been widely reported throughout the league.

Butler's trade request comes after an offseason where he unsuccessfully requested a contract extension from the Heat. Team president Pat Riley was reluctant to extend him beyond this season. Throughout the season, Riley and Butler have taken shots at one another publicly, reinforcing the rocky relationship between the disgruntled star and the front office.

Butler has a $52 million player option for next season. With all the issues he has with the organization, it is safe to say he won't exercise the option if not traded by the deadline.

The trade deadline is Feb. 6.

REPORT: TIMBERWOLVES COULD BE INVOLVED IN BUTLER DEAL

The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly one of many teams interested in helping facilitate a deal for the disgruntled star according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

"My pal Doug Smith of The Toronto Star wrote earlier this week that the Raptors are volunteering to participate in an eventual Butler trade as a third or fourth-team facilitator that doesn't land Butler but takes part in the transaction," Stein reported on his Substack.

Stein continued, "When I relayed that to one well-placed source, I was told that 'about half the league' has made similar feelings known to the Heat as they try to concoct a trade that brings this saga to an end. That group is believed to include the Timberwolves ... but, again, in the role of trade facilitator and not with the intent to bring Butler back to Minnesota after he unforgettably forced a trade from the Timberwolves to the 76ers during the 2018-19 season."

A member of the Timberwolves in 2018, Butler ended his tenure in Minnesota on a rather sour note. He had an infamous outburst during a practice, calling out Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. Butler also yelled at the front office, addressing his issues with the organization. He was traded to the 76ers a month later.

Butler is reportedly set on joining the Phoenix Suns to team up with All-Stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. His $48 million salary may need to be matched with another team joining a potential deal, whether that team is Minnesota or another.

REPORT: BUTLER 'FOCUSED' ON TRADE TO SUNS

Jimmy Butler returned to the court Friday after a seven-game suspension from the Miami Heat. His suspension was issued after Butler stated playing with the Heat ruined his joy for the game.

As the Heat fight for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, Butler is reportedly not as focused on winning. He is more focused on a potential trade to the Phoenix Suns according to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst.

"Jimmy's No. 1 focus is getting traded, preferably, to the Phoenix Suns. Everything else is secondary," Windhorst reported on Monday's episode of the Hoop Collective Podcast.

He continued, "And so, anything that you want to bring that's rational, if it doesn't mean getting traded to the Suns, Jimmy is not going to be interested in it right now. That's one thing you got to remember out of all of that. And that is the way he is operating."

Butler's trade request comes after an offseason where he requested an extension from the Heat. Given his age, Heat president Pat Riley and company were reluctant to extend him beyond this season.

Suns owner Mat Ishbia has said he is willing to extend 36-year-old star Kevin Durant after this season. With Ishbia's willingness to extend older players, it is understandable why Butler would want to move out west. Playing alongside All-Stars Durant and Devin Booker is enticing as well.

For Butler to move to Phoenix, the Suns would have to part ways with Bradley Beal. The 2012 first-round pick has recently taken a role off the bench. Beal's no-trade clause could make a deal difficult.

Sean Jordan is a contributor to Miami Heat On Sports Illustrated. He can be reached at sjorda06@syr.edu.

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