After the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Butler by the Miami Heat yesterday without pay, it appears safe to say that Butler has likely played his last game for the team. The suspension, which requires a minimum of five games missed when issued, signals the end of what has been a tumultuous chapter for the star forward and the organization.
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Calling the last month and a half a roller coaster ride might be an understatement, as trade rumors surrounding Butler have dominated headlines. This morning on First Take, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst stated with confidence that Butler will be traded before the February 6th deadline.
“Jimmy Butler’s gonna get traded,” Windhorst said. “I wasn’t sure about that seven or ten days ago, but I am more sure than ever now that it’s going to happen. The Heat are trying to make it happen—they have backed down on their demands from teams that they had two or three weeks ago when this whole saga started. They’re willing to do more, and I think teams will weigh in here because the price on Butler will be lower than, say, just the Phoenix Suns.”
The Heat now find themselves with their backs against the wall and little leverage left in this situation. Their decision to reduce their asking price reflects the deteriorating relationship between Butler and the organization, which was made abundantly clear yesterday. Reports indicate Butler left shootaround after learning that Haywood Highsmith would start ahead of him, cementing the growing divide between the player and the team.
It seems inevitable that the Heat will look to part ways with Butler, ending a contentious chapter as they try to salvage what they can before the trade deadline.
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