Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler said that "the whole truth will come out" regarding his trade request and seven-game suspension.
Jimmy Butler is back. Officially. His seven-game suspension is over, and he was not listed on the injury report in advance of Friday's game between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets. Less than two hours before tip-off,
There was no pretense of Butler being a vibrant part of the Heat for Friday’s game. He shot by himself in warmups. There was none of the choreographed palm-slapping with teammates that’s a typical part of any pregame. Kevin Love did run out to him just before the center-tap and shake hands. It looked like the first time they’d seen each other.
Jimmy Butler returned from his seven game suspension in the Miami Heat’s 133-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday at the Kaseya Center.
Even though his ongoing feud with Heat executive Pat Riley is still not resolved, Butler does not yet have a new home. While there are perhaps several suitors ( including the Suns) with potential interest in the veteran, without a deal, Butler is still employed by the Heat and obligated to play.
The Phoenix Suns are rumored to be one team interested in Butler, but that involves the Heat taking Bradley Beal and the two seasons and $110.7 million remaining on Beal’s contract. Plus, Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract. The Suns would be willing to give Butler another financially significant contract.
Butler met with Heat president Pat Riley last week, and then met with Heat owner Micky Arison and chief executive officer Nick Arison on Thursday, according to league sources. Through it all, Butler has remained adamant about his desire to be traded.
Butler, 35, had been suspended for "detrimental conduct," which cost him approximately $2.36 million in lost salary.
Friday night was not the end, even with Jimmy Butler’s seven-game unpaid Miami Heat suspension drawing to a close. Instead, based on Butler’s postgame comments, as the Heat turned from Friday night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets to Sunday’s visit by the San Antonio Spurs,
The Jimmy Butler saga that has taken place with the Miami Heat over the last few months has been nothing short of interesting. From Butler's agent, Bernie Lee,
Jimmy Butler walked out of the Miami Heat locker room on Friday night wearing a Michael Jordan jersey. It wasn’t a No. 23 jersey.