Miami Heat Suspend Forward Jimmy Butler Indefinitely

The decision follows a pattern of rule violations and conduct detrimental to the team, including leaving practice early.

The Miami Heat announced on Monday that forward Jimmy Butler has been suspended indefinitely due to a series of conduct violations. The suspension will last no less than five games, and Butler will forfeit pay during this period.

According to the team's statement, the suspension was imposed due to Butler's "continued pattern of disregard for team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team, and intentionally withholding services." The incident that triggered the suspension occurred when Butler left Monday's practice early, reportedly after learning he would no longer be part of the starting lineup.

This is the third suspension for Butler this season. He was previously sent home for seven games and suspended for two games earlier this month. Sources suggest that Butler's strained relationship with the Heat's front office, particularly after the team opted not to extend his contract before the season, has contributed to the ongoing tension.

"I want to get my joy back," Butler said on January 2 following a loss to the Indiana Pacers. "I’m happy here — off the court. But I want to be back to someone dominant." When asked if he could regain that joy with the Heat, he responded, "Probably not."

One day after these comments, the Heat suspended Butler for seven games due to conduct detrimental to the team and began considering trade offers for the star forward. Butler returned for three games before facing a second suspension, reportedly for missing a team flight to Milwaukee. He was set to play in Monday's game against the Orlando Magic before being handed the indefinite suspension.

Butler, 35, has been with the Heat since a 2019 trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. He led the team to two NBA Finals appearances, in 2020 and 2023, and helped Miami finish first in the Eastern Conference in 2022.

Currently in the second year of a three-year contract extension, Butler has a player option for next season. Despite being eligible for a new extension last summer, Heat president Pat Riley indicated in May that the team was not in a rush to offer one. “We don’t have to do that for a year,” Riley said at an end-of-season news conference. "We have not discussed that internally right now, but we have to look at making that kind of commitment.”

This season, Butler is averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.