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By Matt Levine
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Miami Heat are suspending star Jimmy Butler indefinitely. After multiple incidents, it remains to be seen if Butler will return to the team.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported the news on social media.
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According to Charania, Butler reportedly walked out of the shootaround with the Heat earlier this morning. Butler got wind that Miami was playing to not start him in their game against the Orlando Magic so he left.
Miami had planned to start Haywood Highsmith moving forward and this clearly didn't sit right with Butler. This is now the third time that Butler has been suspended by the Heat in recent weeks.
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This all stems from Butler wanting an extension and the Heat not being willing to grant him the money he desires. There were also reports that Butler hasn't been happy with how the Heat have addressed the personnel on the roster as well.
Read more: Jimmy Butler Issues With Heat Stemmed From Lack of Big Trades
Butler has requested a trade from the Heat and at this point, it may be better for both parties to split up. It has become a massive distraction for the team and Miami may need to cut its losses here.
Teams such as the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and others have all been linked to the six-time All-Star. However, his large $48.7 million contract has been a problem in trade negotiations.
Miami doesn't want to just give Butler away and the front office has been trying to get some assets in return. The Suns seem like the most likely trade destination for Butler but they have their own salary cap issues to overcome that could complicate things.
It remains to be seen if Miami will be able to trade Butler before the Feb. 6 trade deadline but the two sides need to move on. Butler can become a free agent at the end of the year, holding a $52.4 million player option for next season.
Many expect Butler to decline that number to become a free agent but turning down over $50 million could be tough. But for now, the saga continues between the All-Star and Miami president Pat Riley.
More Jimmy Butler news:
Latest Jimmy Butler, Pat Riley Heat Meeting Can't Fix What's Already Broken in Miami
Jimmy Butler Seemingly Takes Major Shot at Heat Amid Trade Rumors
Heat Suspended Jimmy Butler For Multiple Incidents Amid Trade Drama: Report
Suns Reportedly Exploring All Avenues to Land Jimmy Butler
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