The Miami Heat have announced they are suspending star forward Jimmy Butler indefinitely without pay.
The announcement follows an incident on Monday when Butler walked out of practice upon learning that head coach Erik Spoelstra planned to bring him off the bench for all future games.
"The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard for team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team, and intentionally withholding services. This includes walking out of practice earlier today," the team said in a statement.
Butler has missed nine of Miami's last 12 games due to recent suspensions for what the Heat describe as โmultiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.โ
So far this season, Butler has played in just 25 games, averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists โ his lowest totals since 2014.
The suspension raises speculation that Butler may have already played his last game in Miami. The Heat have announced his suspension will last at least five games, extending beyond the trade deadline on February 6.
The six-time All-Star has publicly requested a trade, and the Heat are actively exploring options to offload the veteran forward.
Butler has been instrumental in the Heat's recent success, leading them to the NBA Finals twice since joining the team in 2019. In 2022, he became the first Heat player since LeBron James to record 500 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists in a single postseason.
During the most recent offseason, the Heat declined to offer Butler a $113 million contract extension. Team president Pat Riley criticised Butler's behaviour, stating that he should โkeep his mouth shutโ and that he - along with Miami's other top players - needs to perform more consistently.
The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors are considered the most likely destinations for Butler, with the Milwaukee Bucks also emerging as a potential suitor.
Both the Suns and the Warriors would need to trade a significant portion of their roster to acquire Butler, as the 35-year-old is earning close to $49 million this season and holds a player option worth $52 million for the 2025-26 season.
The Suns could include Bradley Beal's $110 million contract over the next two seasons in a potential deal, but they would first need Beal to waive his no-trade clause.
With the Heat currently sitting precariously in eighth, and in the play-in - a trade for Butler will be instrumental in shaping the franchise and their direction going forward.