The Miami Heat are preparing for Jimmy Butler to return to their team when their road trip ends and he comes off his suspension. Sources tell Sam Amick of The Athletic that the Heat decided to suspend him for the entire road trip so that Butler’s actions could be addressed at home rather than on the road. Butler’s behavior on and off the court had been seen by the Heat as “increasingly problematic.”
The NBPA has filed a grievance against the Heat to recoup at least some portion of Butler’s lost salary during his seven-game suspension. Details of why Butler was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team have not been specified.
When the Heat return from their road trip, they will play the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 17.
Butler has been agitating for a trade from the Heat and has a preference for the Phoenix Suns. Miami is willing to be patient leading to the trade deadline to maximize their potential return for Butler.