The relationship between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat has continued to deteriorate over the past few months, and the situation reached a new low on Monday.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Heat have suspended Butler indefinitely, marking his third suspension of the season. This latest suspension comes after Butler walked out of practice upon being informed that he would be moved to a bench role, with Haywood Highsmith stepping into the starting lineup moving forward.
Butler’s first suspension occurred on January 3, following reports that he expressed dissatisfaction with the team and requested a trade. He was suspended again later in the month for missing a team flight.
Now, with the latest suspension in place, Butler will remain off the court for the foreseeable future, while the Heat likely look to move him elsewhere. Butler, a six-time All-Star, has averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 25 games so far this season.