Jimmy Butler channels Michael Jordan in return from Heat suspension

On By Littum

Despite Jimmy Butler’s trade request, he’s back in Miami — for now.

The Heat forward was suspended for seven games for conduct prejudicial to the team and is now back in the starting lineup for Miami against the Nuggets in a 2023 NBA Finals rematch on Friday night.

Bernie Lee, Butler’s agent, issued a press release on X akin to Michael Jordan’s famous one “I’m back” statementwhich ended his first NBA retirement in 1995.

Leaning into the Jordan theme — or troll — Butler posted photos on his Instagram story wearing the Jordan No. 45 The Bulls uniform.

Butler, who played with the Bulls from 2011-17, channeled the jersey Jordan wore when he returned to the NBA in 1995, which he wore before returning to the iconic 23.

Jimmy Butler wears a Michael Jordan no. 45 uniform on his Instagram story. @JimmyButler

Butler last played for the Heat on Jan. 2 in a blowout loss to the Pacers, scoring just nine points for the second straight game.

Rumors and reports had circulated that he had become disaffected due to the lack of a new contract from the Heat and that he was potentially eyeing a trade.

After the competition, he addressed the overall situation and publicly indicated that he wanted a new home.

Jimmy Butler returns from his suspension Friday. AP

“I want to see me get my joy back in playing basketball, and wherever that is, we’ll find out pretty soon,” Butler said. “I am happy here outside the pitch, but I want to return to a dominant place. I want to jump and I want to help this team win. Right now I don’t.”

When asked by a reporter if he can get his “joy back” on the court, Butler replied, “probably not.”

Earlier on Friday, a report from ESPN suggested that people close to the situation might not want him back at all, but unfortunately, he is suiting up again for Miami.

Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat passes the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 2, 2025 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NBAE via Getty Images

Neither Butler nor his agent have publicly withdrawn their trade request, and no reporting has suggested much has changed beyond the six-time All-Star returning from his suspension.

Butler remains on a $49 million contract this season with a player option for $52.4 million next season, which is difficult to move within the limits of the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement.