Jimmy Butler was suspended indefinitely from the Miami Heat on Monday afternoon as the franchise continues to field trade offers for the aging superstar.
Recent reports claim that Butler was shelved when he left a team practice Monday morning after receiving news that he would not be placed in Miami’s starting lineup.
“The Miami Heat are suspending Jimmy Butler indefinitely, sources tell ESPN,” ESPN’s Shams Charania shared via Twitter/X on Monday.
“Jimmy Butler walked out of Heat shootaround this morning after being informed the team is planning not to start him — with Haywood Highsmith starting — moving forward, sources tell ESPN.”
Butler was previously suspended twice by Heat president Pat Riley for what was deemed as, “conduct detrimental to the team,” on both instances.
The 35-year-old, six-time All-Star was suspended for seven games on Jan. 3, followed by a two-game suspension for missing a team flight on Jan. 23.
This is amid countless rumors and an ongoing cycle of trade speculation currently centered around Butler, as he’s made plenty of public comments on his negative state of mind as a member of the franchise, as well as displaying his desire to be with another team through his choice of hair and shoe colors in recent weeks.
Butler’s main objective has been to become a member of the Phoenix Suns, though negotiations are frequently being stalled due to Bradley Beal’s need to waive his no-trade clause in order for a deal to be completed.
With Butler now fully separated from Miami’s on-court product, their front office can solely focus on shipping the five-time All-Defensive selection far, far away.
More NBA: NBA champion pleads with Cavaliers to trade for $160 million ex-76ers forward
