Heat star suspension ends before deadline

On By Littum

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Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler’s suspension is over.

The conundrum between Butler and the Heat remains as the Heat figure out what to do with Butler, who they say asked for a trade before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

On Jan. 3, the Heat suspended Butler for seven games for “multiple instances of conduct that was detrimental to the team throughout the season and particularly over the past several weeks. Through his actions and statements, he has demonstrated that he no longer wishes to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated they want to be traded, so we will listen to offers,” the team said in a press release.

That statement came a week after Riley said, “We don’t normally comment on rumors, but all of this speculation has become a distraction for the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. That’s why we want to make it clear – We are not trading Jimmy Butler.”

A trade seems more likely than not at this point. The Heat play Denver on Friday night, and with Butler’s suspension over, where do the Heat go from here?

Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight?

Butler is not listed on the injury report and is available to play on Friday against the Nuggets.

Jimmy Butler Trades Rumors: Talks Intensify

The Heat have taken calls and listened to offers, but haven’t found the right deal. But with Feb. 6 approaching, the intensity of the talks has begun to increase, a person familiar with the discussions told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about trade talks.

The Heat don’t like the distraction, and both sides — headstrong as Riley and Butler both are — want a fresh start without the other.

Who will trade for Jimmy Butler?

The Phoenix Suns are rumored to be a team interested in Butler, but that involves the Heat taking Bradley Beal and the two seasons and $110.7 million back on Beal’s contract. Plus, Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract. The Suns would be willing to give Butler another financially significant contract.

The Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings are other teams to watch in Butler competition.

Jimmy Butler statistics

In 22 games, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals and is shooting 55.2% from the field, 37.5% on 3-pointers and 78.8% on free throw. That’s solid offensive efficiency. It’s a reduced offensive role, however, as Butler averages his fewest points and takes his fewest field goal attempts since 2013-14. Butler isn’t crazy about his usage.

Jimmy Butler contract

Butler is under contract through 2025-2026 and is owed $52.4 million next season. However, Butler has a player option next season and can become a free agent this summer.

Is it possible the Heat won’t trade Butler before the deadline?

There is the thinking that Miami won’t trade Butler if it doesn’t find the right deal. That option also carries a risk. Butler could decide to play out the final year of his contract and make the Heat pay him — making an uncomfortable situation even more uncomfortable. The Heat won’t.