The Miami Heat are suspending Jimmy Butler for two games after he missed a team flight for a road trip, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
Butler missed a Wednesday flight as the Heat traveled to Milwaukee for a Thursday game against the Bucks that will be nationally televised on TNT, according to the report. Per the report, Butler intended to join the team for the game, but instead will be suspended for the road trip that also includes a Saturday game against the Brooklyn Nets.
The suspension is the second of the season for Butler, who’s been embroiled in turmoil amid reports that he’s demanded a trade out of Miami. The Heat previously suspended Butler on Jan. 3 for seven games, citing “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.”
A day prior to his first suspension, Butler indicated his desire to play for another team at a postgame news conference.
“I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball and wherever that may be, we’ll find out pretty soon,” Butler said on Jan 1. “I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant, I want to hoop and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”
Amid initial reports that Butler wanted out, Heat president Pat Riley said in December that “we are not trading Jimmy Butler.” The team’s stance changed upon his his initial suspension. In their statement announcing Butler’s seven-game suspension, the Heat also announced that “we will listen to offers.”
This is a breaking news story that will be updated.
