The Jimmy Butler saga seems to have reached its tipping point. Since his shocking trade request earlier this month, he has been suspended twice by the Heat for conduct detrimental to the team. And he was finally eligible to make his return tonight against the Magic. However, a third suspension has stopped Jimmy right in his tracks. And this time, its indefinite!
The reason? Butler walked out of team shootaround earlier today after receiving information that he would no longer be a starter on the team. Replacing him would be forward Haywood Highsmith. But while many believe the incident has caused disruption in the locker room, some Heat players told veteran insider Barry Jackson otherwise. Turns out, Jimmy left practice very late and players had already begun shooting at different baskets by then.
Moreover, Butler did not create a big scene upon his departure. One player even shut down the notion of chaos and disruption in the locker room because of the ongoing situation, and claimed that it has “galvanized” the team. Meanwhile, Erik Spoelstra revealed that the team has not had any discussions about the Butler drama and they are focused on the bigger task at hand, “We didn’t even talk about anything today other than preparing for the Magic… We’re trying to quiet the noise and we’re just focusing on the task at hand.”
Talked to more Heat players. Butler departure happened very late in practice. Players already were shooting at different baskets. No big scene. One Heat player said this whole notion that all this disrupts players and creates chaos isn’t true. If anything, has “galvanized” team.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 27, 2025
(Developing Story)
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