9:19PM: The NBPA has issued a statement (Twitter link) criticizing Butler’s suspension, and confirming that it intends to file a grievance.
“The seven-game suspension imposed tonight by the Miami Heat on Jimmy Butler is excessive and inappropriate, and we intend to file a grievance challenging the discipline,” the NBPA declared.
7:20 pm: The National Basketball Players Association intends to file a grievance to contest the Heat’s decision to suspend Butler for seven games, sources inform Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst of ESPN (via Twitter).
Due to how long it takes for the grievance process to play out, it will likely not prevent Butler from missing any of these games, but there’s a chance he could retroactively recoup some salary.
6:11 pm: The Heat have announced that they have suspended six-time All-Star forward Jimmy Butler for seven games as he continues to agitate for a trade (Twitter link).
“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks,” the team said in its statement.
“Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”
On Thursday, word broke that Butler had let Miami know he wants to be traded and that he’s open to being sent to any team. This news arrived on the heels of an initial report on Christmas that Butler preferred a trade but hadn’t explicitly asked for one.
Team president Pat Riley announced just eight days ago that the Heat had zero intention of trading Butler this season. After Butler submitted a pair of passive, disengaged performances this week vs. New Orleans and Indiana and then asked to be dealt, the team appears to have changed its tune, indicating that it is very much open for business.
Butler has a $52.4MM player option for 2025/26 and has reportedly conveyed that he plans to decline that option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. That and his $48.8MM salary for 2024/25, along with his age (35) and injury history, may make him difficult to trade.
The Warriors, Suns, Mavericks, and his hometown Rockets had been floated as Butler’s preferred landing spots in a deal, but the Heat figure to listen to any team that expresses interest.
The suspension will cost Butler $336,543 per game in salary, tweets ESPN’s Bobby Marks. That’s 1/145th of his overall salary and will work out to a total of $2,355,798 over seven games.
That’s is insane, spiteful bulls**t. Just trade him
Heat suspended Butler because he lives in paradise
live in paradise = in the state of complete joy
When Draymond punched Jordan Poole, there was no suspense.
When Fred VanVleet pushed referee a bit, he was ejected.
How about a player punch a referee? How many games suspense?
Team suspension / league suspensions are handled differently.
Player punches a ref it’s probably the Sprewell treatment and possibly a league ban. Much like punching a bus driver or other government employee will get you 7 years.
Pat Riley is a terrorist. NBA should ban everyone over the age of 60 from any paying role.
Spoken like a true millennial.
As a fellow millennial, please do not lump us in with the likes of Davey J. No one deserves such cruelty.
^ Apologies bro …… all us Gen X are wise, grumpy old f*rts by this time. Lol.
Never trust anyone under 60 ..IQ that is
Jimmy is one of my favorite players. One of best 2Way guys ever. But it’s gone too far. I understand Pat. But Heat are at fault too. I agree he’s going to get traded now. Heat don’t want to pay him. Make him look like bad guy.
Yeah, I love watching Butler play. I think the suspension is lame on the surface and seems retaliatory…but I guess I don’t see behind the scenes either. This will be interesting to watch unfold
so the man that once blasted anyone who was selfish and “soft” standing in the corner and scoring 9 points a game taking almost no shots and playing more passively than he ever has…. was anything but spiteful? lol
Heat suspended Butler 7 games…at the rate he plays games he will only miss 2 games.
Does this suspend him through the deadline?
It’s a TEAM suspension
I believe the trade deadline is February 6.
Jimmy messed up when he started openly half-as*ing while on the court. Glad the Heat grew a pair and did something about it.
Being an issue off the court is one thing, but being an issue on the court is another. Jimmy has history with this too – clearly doesn’t learn.
Pretty sure he learnt you do this you get what you want… not like Minny did anything about it but move him to Chicago
Butler was traded from the Bulls to the Wolves for Lavine, Dunn and the pick that got the Bulls Lauri M..
Yeah sorry wrong way around lol
Jimmy buckets messed up in Minnesota doing the same, in Chicago doing the same and didn’t particularly care for Bret Brown in Philly and got his way out. Your comment is not new news. Clearly the teams acquiring Butler haven’t learned.
Jimmy defenders have no leg to stand on here. If you support him, you essentially condone a player quitting on the team. That should never be acceptable, especially when the organization has done him no wrong, his beef with Riley aside.
Frankly, if he had come out and said “I’m not playing again until I’m dealt” I’d have more respect for him. This pretending to take the high road while acting like a petulant child is pathetic. Delusional narcissist.
After turning on Thibs the way he did it was only a matter of time before he started this in Miami…
Surprised it took this long….
Damn
Well, that escalated quickly.
Jimmy is probably evil smiling at this news. He can’t wait to get out of Miami now
Good for him. He lost much of his endorsements and wont be paid for those 7 games.
Pretty sure he still gets paid unless its the league suspending him and they wont since he hasnt violated any rules the league has warranting a suspension.
Team fines max out at a super small number. It would also not make sense if teams could just shave payroll by suspending a player. They could just claim they did something in a closed practice to cut money. Teams cant affect the salaries of players on their team.
You are right, it’s only $346k per gm, peanut money.
You are wrong. The team can suspend him and for something like this he loses 1/145 th of his annual salary, which amounts to $336k per game.
I hate how the modern NBA operates. What is the point of even following a team? Most players have me-first attitudes. The Jordans and AI’s of my youth are long gone.
I follow the Golden State Warriors and have NO IDEA what youre talking about. The greats are all 1-teamers, everyone knows it.
Did you follow the Bulls or the Sixers?
Who didn’t follow the Bulls in the 90s? My point is, teams were teams. They had identities. Now most of the league is a bunch of hired guns moving around every year or two. Granted, that’s not only in NBA, but it seems worse in the NBA. Golden State is definitely the exception.
KD anyone?
No way you said AI as someone that didnt have a me first attitude lol
AI was misunderstood. The practice rant was blown way out of proportion. He and the Sixers were having a down year after coming off a finals run and an MVP. In the off-season he’d gotten into a shouting match with Larry Brown and seven months prior one of his best friends has been murdered. The trial for the man accused of killing his friend had started a few days prior. Everything just kind of bubbles over and he let his frustrations out. As a result AI got a rep as a me first player.
Every time he stepped on the court though he left it all out there. I never liked the guy all that much before the finals against the Lakers. He’d drive inside, get knocked down, get up and dust himself off then do it again the next play.
He didn’t demand a trade or play like s**t in protest. Any elite player is going to have a similar ego/mentality. He didn’t bail the first chance he got. He played hard for his entire career.
I’m getting sick and tired of all these entitled athletes. He needs to realize he plays the easiest game in the world and all he does is run 80 ft and shoot a rubber ball into a hole that hangs in the air
You do it then
Easiest game? Weak bait
Agreed. Whiny, pathetic, greedy, selfish, self centered. Being paid $47.7 million this season and $52.4 million option for next season. When Butler wanted a massive generous contract Miami gave him the contract. Where is the appreciation and gratitude?
I for one am happy Riley is still around. Old school ways still needed in today’s prima donna shenanigans. Riles still repected because hes not giving into capricious behavior. He has carte blanche
Yeah and it shows in all the titles he has bought to the team in the last decade…
Pretty dumb comment. Dude has 3 chips and 5 appearances under his belt. It’s hard to even make it to the finals let alone win. Troll.
When was the last one? Do you know what “washed up” means?
Thats where Draymond and Steph is headed in few more seasons
In a few more seasons they will both be retired. Unlike LeBron they want a life outside NBA.
Pay no attention to the little man named Davey J he is only here for self entertainment purposes and the ridicule of all.
Yes, every franchise that isn’t the Warriors is total trash. Sane take.
Riley has had his missteps, but the Heat are still an above average organization.
Riley is just as much of a Prima Donna as the Butler is. He plays the same game. Both Butler and Riley are looking out for themselves.
NBA fans everywhere should thank the high heavens for someone like Pat Riley – someone who doesn’t pander to superstar players, who gives chances to longshot ones and will build an atmosphere to develop both and everyone in between.
Agreed.
Like why couldn’t he just shut up for 3 months.
Why couldn’t Riley shut up 3 months ago?
And they wonder why NBA ratings are down so much. Selfish players.
This guy is a headache that always hurt. Any team that can afford to trade for him will not be a serious contender. Retire and shut up already
Hilarious…
I’m enjoying this for so many reasons…
Whatever happens, I’ll have my popcorn ready. Usually this kind of drama is for the offseason. Now we get an in-season treat.
Heat suspend themselves for conduct detrimental to winning.
MIA’s 1st round pick to OKC protected for selections 1-14 in 2025 and unprotected in 2026 LOL
Other words, this is just a paper trail. They just wanted him off the team and they’re gonna pay him until he’s traded and resend all charges. Isn’t this the same BS that the New York Rangers general manager, Chris Drury is trying to pull on his players now
Sounds like the Heat wants to make sure he doesn’t pick up his option year. Now his trade value is worthless. They be lucky to get anything back for him.
Newsflash, Jimmy’s trade value hasn’t gotten any worse with this news. There’s a reason the Heat announced they weren’t trading him. It’s because the offers weren’t good.
Letting him walk is preferable to swapping him for bad money.
The Heat could trade Jimmy to the Bulls for Zach LaVine tonight if they wanted. They don’t.
Bulls would do that to get rid of LaVine’s contract and save the money. The market is bleak for Butler because of his contract is expensive. The cap makes it hard to trade players.
Heat would never do that because Lavine has another year after this plus a player option. Would keep Miami in tax hell for years to come. Would require a third team with a lot of expiring salary.
Reason they will not trade him. Can’t get anything worth trading for.
Also, isn’t he near a bonus clause kicking in soon?
Jimmy trade ideas
1. Jimmy and Burks for Vassell, Barnes and a protected first
CP3 Champagine Butler Sochan Wemby
Castle Burks Johnson Collins Bassey
Spurs would be a playoff dark horse and cause some teams real problems.
It cost them a first and Vassell but makes them a better side and should you not like the fit then let him walk in FA and bring in another max star to play with Vic.
2. Jimmy and Burks for Smart, Clarke, Kennard and GG
Memphis starting 5 of
Ja Bane Jimmy JJJ and Edey
That’s insane and to think you’ve got great cheap depth, Pippen Jr Willims Wells Burks LaRavia Konchar Aldama and Huff.
3. Jimmy Butler for Paul George and a first
Embiid gets his mate Jimmy back along with Caleb Martin it’s Miami Heat vibes in Philly.
But more familiar with the franchise than PG although not a shooter a better scorer and defender in my opinion.
Miami gets back basically the same player just a better shooter while also adding a first because of the longer contract
Spurs trade is horrendous for numerous reasons
1. They are not letting Jimmy ruin Victor.
^ Actually we could just end it there, but for the sake of argument:
2. Jimmy is an awful fit with Paul and Sochan, what playoff run are we talking about?
3. Vassell is literally their only starting-caliber shooter.
4. Pushing chips in this season for a 35-year old is just dumb. Players like Fox etc will become available over the next two years when Jimmy’s career is in the ground.
1. Jimmy ruin Vic, he’s not going to beat him with a bat, what are you talking about?
Yeah cause Jimmys ruined all the young talent he’s ever played with …
2. He’s an awful fit with Paul and Sochan… and what playoff run?
San Antonio currently sit 9th, top 10 teams make the play in and with Jimmy they’d be even better than they are now. I think they’d be an underdog in the playoffs.
3. Champagine shots the exact same percentage from 3 on more attempts, so your wrong
4. Not dumb at all, you’d be getting Bucks valuable playoff experience at a young age something he can learn from. Same with castle and the other young guys. Not to mention what they could learn from Jimmy on the court. He was a late first round pick and worked his but off to be as good as he is and so many guys could learn but and pieces from him. Just look at how he’s helped Herro improve.
Plus he’s got signed for this season and maybe another should he opt in. You can still go after another player in a couple years ….
The Spurs traded Prime Kawhi for similar behavior and you think they’d bring in 35-year old Jimmy?
Sorry but they value culture in San Antonio.
They should be looking at players they can pair with Victor for the next 10 years, not 2 year rentals.
Memphis trade is also bad
Miami is not taking Smart & Clarke’s bad contracts just to get off Jimmy.
Smart is on an expiring deal not a bad contract at all and Clarke is a role player on role player money…
Smart would be an awesome fit with Herro adding his defence and allowing Rozier to play his 6th man role. Plus you get Kennards expring deal which helps the cap situation and then you get a really solid young talented forward in GG Jackson.
Smart Herro Jackson Jovic Bam
Rozier Robinson Jacquez Highsmith Ware
Smart is NOT expiring – he is owed 21.6M next season.
Clarke is making 25M total (12.5M per) over the next TWO seasons and would be Bam’s backup. Terrible use of cap.
Get your facts straight before you come back.
It’s definitely the best package Miami could possibly get, but I dont know if Memphis is willing to get a non shooter for one season
Try and Get Caleb martin back in this trade somehow???
Maybe the Bulls can trade LaVine for Butler and hopefully flip Butler.
They are better off keeping Zach and flipping him, he has more value than Jimmy
Can Jimmy help another team win a title this year????? Is he still the difference maker?? Can he still bring in revenues for another team?
Now that he has negative value to Miami, the offers from other teams will be less.
.
How about the fact that Jimmy can exercise his option at the end of this season, and Miami still has to pay him $52M next year to sit at home?
No
We shall see if the heat can get anything if value.
If there’s one team that don’t pander to its players, it’s the HEAT.
Riles don’t F around.
I expect an Ed Monix-type of transaction soon ……. Jimmy for another teams washing machine or something similar.
Houston’s probably the most logical especially if Mia takes back Brooks in the deal
Mia can expire a lot with Jock/Green, gain a young player like Cam Whitmore and gain a little draft capital as well, its probably all the market bears today
Bigger Q would be; Does Hou want to do this? I think Id prefer mystery box down the rode instead if Hou but if Ime was green light it seems like a fit, one of the only today
** I like LAC and TOR as potential low key suitors if prices drop super low
The heat have announced they intend to tank the season and blame it on Pats ego.
as usual, a class act.
What even is a three year contract if players can basically quit in year 3 and still get paid?
Well, he ain’t getting paid right now. But if he ends up getting that money back, we all know who to blame: the players union (as usual).
I understand the value of unions and support them in general, but this is one of the few things I hate about them: advocating for their members even when they would so clearly be in the wrong. They don’t want to set the precedent that a team can suspend a player for a perceived lack of effort. No thought to the paying fans who rightfully expect a certain level of effort and professionalism.
Jimmy one of best 2Way ever. But what they said on nbaTV is right. Coach said this is wrong for his teammates. He’s right there. He needs to think of them too. I agree there.
With Smith out. Rockets should go for Jimmy. Could get him at a good price. He’s from Houston. He can retire here lols …….. I’m serious.
JimmyB >>>to>>> Houston
Butler’s a joke. This all goes back to last year when Pat Riley called him out for running his mouth after not playing in the playoffs. “Playoff Jimmy” couldn’t handle the truth. He’s responded by playing like crap and giving no effort. Collecting those checks… but now many games did he miss with a stomach illness? And he expects teams to line up to give up assets for him. Get real.
Regardless of anything else, I’d like to see the grievance process proceed to a decision. A player making public trade request is almost certainly in violation of their contract, but, in most cases, including here, it’s not 100% clear. This is the first time I’ve seen a team seek to enforce the contract in that regard. If MIA wins (and Butler loses 7 games of pay), I suspect there will be far fewer trade requests that go public.
I’d pay to be a fly on the wall in a room with Udonis and Jimmy right now!
It’s too bad Udonis isn’t involved with the team as a player anymore. He would have sat Riley and Butler down in a room and said something to the effect of “You m-fers need to work this s— out here and now.”
Udonis wouldn’t stand for Butler’s antics and sent him to the locker roon during one of those low effort games… Probably the first one…
Haslem wouldn’t have stood for Riley’s crap about going to the press instead of expressing his concerns privately about Jimmy’s availability and his extension. He also wouldn’t have stood for people doubting Butler’s dedication after being a little off after missing several games in a row due to injury and being straight up sick. Butler left everything on the court for the Heat on several occasions. Haslem was a Heat first guy but he stuck up for his teammates. Also if Haslem had a problem with Butler he would’ve met with him on a one on one basis. If Haslem didn’t agree with Butler’s reasons he would’ve accepted it when Jimmy told him to F off.
“Also if Haslem had a problem with Butler he would’ve met with him on a one on one basis.”
Like the one time he told Butler he would beat his “f***ing a**” and almost started a fight during a timeout in front of tv cameras?
So they knew they wouldn’t keep Butler from last season, didn’t trade him and now they suspended him????
If ya can’t win and want to run a disciplined culture…
Sometimes you take an L on a decision to keep the culture…
The culture is shot if you don’t go to the player instead of the media.
I would rather see the suspension falling on the franchise than Butler, so far he hasn’t done anything wrong and always played hard for the team, MIA as a franchise really sucks. They created all that situation because Riley couldn’t keep his enormous mouth shut and had to criticise his star player and then following his tantrum didn’t offer him the extension.
That’s the way you turn quickly a guy who always said wanted to retire as a Heat into a guy who can’t leave quick enough!
Well done Mr Riley another incompetent move from you. How long will take to get him fired?
Butler is a borderline Hall of Famer. If he wasn’t such a space case, he’d be a slam dunk Hall of Famer.
His play in the one game back was inappropriate so is not showing up when you are getting paid.
Can’t they just fire him for causing harm?
I mean any other job if you are making everything terrible and everyone unhappy you are fired!
I wouldn’t touch Butler with a 10 foot pole – but I’m sure other b-ball orgs will be happy to bring in the superstar who is happy to love your org until he HATES you and tries to destroy your team in his hatred.
Maybe Jimmy Crybaby will exercise his option after all the bluster. Miami should hope that Butler doesn’t exercise the option.
Hawks could. They have many experiring or near term contracts.
But Cannnot imagine Butler willing to play for any team that isn’t a blue blood team Or teams recently near championships.
Capela, Bogs, Bufkin, Zeller, Gauye = $51
Capela, Bogs, Nance same.
But zero chance.
Any team would have to be
1) one that he is willing to play for, for a team to want to invest.
2)already has leaders and a culture, where it won’t be the Jimmy show.