In the latest development of the ongoing hostilities between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat, the team is reportedly considering changing the designation of Butler’s suspension. According to Chris Haynes, going from “conduct detrimental to the team” to “refusing to provide services” could double Butler’s fine total, which is roughly $2.3 million for seven missed games.
“League sources inform me that the Miami Heat could consider changing the designation of Jimmy Butler’s suspension from ‘conduct detrimental to the team’ to ‘refusing to provide services.’ Such a change would double the fine tally for Jimmy,” said Haynes. “I’m told that the designation is the same as of right now but it is fluid.”
The relationship between Jimmy Butler and Heat President Pat Riley is beyond repair at this point after weeks of back-and-forth has pitted them against each other. It all began last summer when Riley told Butler to “keep his mouth shut” after he made some comments about the Boston Celtics.
Then, when the Heat decided not to offer Butler an extension on his contract, it opened the door for his potential departure. Amid continuous struggles to stay afloat in the East, Butler finally cut ties with the Heat and began to play so lethargically that the Heat were convinced to suspend him.
As it stands, Butler’s suspension is set to expire after Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, the final game of a six-game road trip. Unless the Heat find a trade within the next few days, Jimmy is likely to be on the roster and the latest reports say that he’s “ready to play.”
However, after the news that Jimmy made a trade demand to Pat Riley directly, there is legitimate concern from the organization that the ongoing chaos with Butler might turn the situation toxic in the locker room. By changing the designation of Butler’s suspension, they’d essentially be worsening his punishment and doubling the price of his fine.
The situation is described as “fluid” in Miami and the process for making their decision is expected to take multiple days. But the mere fact that the Heat are even considering worsening Butler’s penalties should tell you everything about the current nature of their relationship.
From being late to practices, showing low effort in games, and taking separate travel flights from the team, Butler has already shown that he’s ready to break away from the franchise that he’s called home for the past six years but it remains to be seen when and how the Heat will make a trade.
With career averages of 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 47.2% shooting, Butler is considered one of the best two-way wings in the game but at 35 years old he may not be a player that teams are willing to give up a lot for.
The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors are arguably in the best position to acquire Butler but his fate lies with the Heat and it’s up to Pat Riley to decide where he goes next. For now, until Pat gets an offer he approves, Butler will continue his exile and he’ll pay for every game that he missed.
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