Heat should end Jimmy Butler drama after his second suspension

Per Charania and Brian Windhorst, Butler requested a trade on Jan. 2. On Jan. 3, he was suspended seven games for "multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team."

He recently returned to the lineup and implied he's unhappy with the organization.

"I guess it's basketball at this point," Butler said following a 133-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "I know what I'm expected to do while I'm here and try to do that to the best of my ability, but we are where we are."

According to Jamie Barton of CNN, Butler wore shoes featuring the Phoenix Suns' colors (purple and orange) in Tuesday's 116-107 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Of course, some have tabbed Phoenix as a landing spot for the forward.

The tension probably stems from the Heat's refusal to discuss a contract extension until the offseason. Butler is on a three-year, $146.39M deal with a player option before the 2025-26 season.

Miami may hope to repair its relationship with the six-time All-Star, who carried the team to the 2020 NBA Finals. Butler, however, doesn't seem willing to do that.

Plus, the 35-year-old could be declining. In 25 games, Butler has averaged 17 points per game, the fourth-lowest mark of his 14-year career.

Since he returned from his first suspension, the Heat (21-21) have lost two of their last three games.

At this point, it seems Butler is just a distraction for the team. The Heat should consider trading him before the deadline on Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. ET. 

Butler should attract multiple trade suitors. On Wednesday, ESPN's Kevin Pelton and Bobby Marks listed the Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors as potential destinations for Butler.