Will Jimmy Butler Ever Play for the Miami Heat Again After Suspension?

The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler were inevitably headed for a divorce. As many couples do, they tried to patch things up and see how long things could last.

Now, we can’t even say Butler’s sleeping on the couch. Not after the Heat suspended him seven games and publicly reprimanded him for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.”

“Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of the team,” the Heat said Friday night. “Jimmy Butler and his representatives have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”

In other words, the Heat just changed their relationship status to “it’s complicated” and created a dating profile.

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.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 4, 2025

Theoretically, the seven-game suspension keeps Butler out through Jan. 15; he’d be eligible to play again Jan. 17 against the Denver Nuggets. Of course, if the Heat “will listen to offers” only eight days after proclaiming they won’t trade Butler, one must wonder if he’ll ever suit up for Miami again.

That question isn’t as extreme as one might think. Butler is 35 and months away from hitting unrestricted free agency, assuming he declines his player option as is expected. The Heat just made it clear they have no more patience for his behavior—and, if it matters, a portion of the fanbase agrees.

The Heat have proven they can win games without Butler. Granted, they’re a middle-of-the-road team likely destined for the Play-In Tournament, especially if Tyler Herro remains healthy.

The point remains: Miami can live without Butler, and Butler can live without Miami. He recently missed five games because of a stomach bug and subsequent reconditioning. Fans and pundits speculated the extended layoff was a holdout, though reporters dismissed that theory.

How does it help either side for Butler to wear a Heat uniform again? The Heat said it outright: “He has shown he no longer wants to be part of the team.”

So, no, we don’t believe Butler will play for the Heat again. It’s an unfortunate ending to a relationship that featured two NBA Finals appearances and no shortage of incredible performances, both in the regular season and playoffs.

Do you think Butler will play another game for the Heat? Let us know.

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Jake Elman works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat on SI. He can be reached at jakeelman97@gmail.com or follow him on X @JakeElman97.