Jimmy Butler’s seven-game suspension for detrimental conduct has one game remaining, and Butler still hopes his time in Miami will soon come to an end.
Butler reiterated his trade request to Heat president Pat Riley last week during a face-to-face meeting, ESPN reported Tuesday.
Miami officials are slated to meet to determine how to handle the situation. With no trade pending, it is possible Butler will be restored to the active roster.
The Heat suspended Butler on Jan. 3, partly saying “through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team.”
Butler, who is making $48.8 million this season, can become a free agent after the season and has informed Miami officials that he won’t sign a new contract with the team.
The six-time All-Star holds a $52.4 million player option for next season but isn’t expected to exercise it unless it helps a trade to go through.
Butler, 35, reportedly will lose $2.35 million during his suspension. The National Basketball Players Association has filed a grievance.
This season, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 22 games while shooting a career-high 55.2 percent from the field.
Miami completes a six-game road trip Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The tension that was permeating through the team has evaporated with Butler not around the squad.
“This is what we wanted, just to get back on the road, get away from all the chaos,” Heat guard Tyler Herro told reporters after Saturday night’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers. “Rallying around each other, making it about the guys that are here now. We got enough.”
–Field Level Media
