Miami Heat Suspend Jimmy Butler Indefinitely After Walking Out Of Practice

The Miami Heat have suspended forward Jimmy Butler without pay for an indefinite period, the team announced Monday, following an incident where the disgruntled star walked out of practice. This marks the third suspension for Butler in recent weeks and comes just as he was expected to return from his second suspension to play against the Orlando Magic that evening.

According to the Heat, the latest suspension will last at least five games, taking it through the NBA’s trade deadline on February 6. Sources revealed that the team had planned to replace Butler in the starting lineup with Haywood Highsmith for Monday’s game. However, Butler walked out of the morning shootaround after learning about the change.

In a statement, the Heat cited a “continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team, and intentionally withholding services” as the reason for the suspension. The team specifically pointed to Butler’s walkout as part of the ongoing issues.

Butler, a key player for Miami, has already missed nine of the Heat’s last 12 games due to prior suspensions. The first suspension, lasting seven games, was due to behavior deemed detrimental by the team, while the second stemmed from Butler missing a flight to Milwaukee last week.

The veteran forward, who has reportedly requested a trade, could now lose $532,737 per game under this suspension. The Heat have confirmed they are actively working on finding a trade for Butler as the February 6 deadline approaches.

Following the news, Butler posted via his Instagram stories funny memes of Martin’s Thomas Strom who ain’t got no job man.