Jimmy Butler Suspended Indefinitely by Miami Heat After Walking Out of Shootaround

On January 27, 2025, the Miami Heat announced that All-Star forward Jimmy Butler has been suspended indefinitely, marking his third suspension this month alone. This decision was made after Butler walked out of a team shootaround earlier that day, reportedly in reaction to being informed he would no longer be in the starting lineup. Instead, forward Haywood Highsmith is expected to assume that position, leading to Butler's decision to leave the practice.

The Miami Heat cited Butler's "continued pattern of disregard of team rules" and conduct detrimental to the organization as the basis for the suspension. This situation comes on the heels of a turbulent period for Butler, who recently missed a two-game suspension due to missing a team flight, and a prior seven-game suspension earlier this month for conduct deemed detrimental to the team.

• Butler's current suspension is expected to last a minimum of five games.
• He is losing approximately $532,737 per game during this suspension, which could total over $2 million in lost salary for five games.
• This season, Butler has played 25 games, averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 6, 2025, Butler's relationship with the Heat has become increasingly strained, with reports indicating that he has requested a trade from the franchise. Miami President Pat Riley has indicated the organization will listen to trade offers as the situation develops.