
Things are heating up in South Beach as Miami Heat’s star player Jimmy Butler has been sidelined once again. This marks the third time this month the All-Star forward has been benched for breaking team rules, the Heat confirmed Monday.
Butler’s latest suspension comes after he reportedly walked out of practice following news that he’d be moved out of the starting lineup. Instead, Haywood Highsmith is set to take his spot. The six-time NBA All-Star will miss at least five games without pay due to “a continued pattern of disregard for team rules,” the Heat stated.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t dwell on the situation before Monday’s game against the Orlando Magic. “We didn’t even talk about anything today other than preparing for the Magic,” he told reporters. “We’re trying to quiet the noise and focus on the task at hand.”
Butler seemed unbothered by the suspension, sharing a humorous Instagram post featuring clips from the ‘90s sitcom Martin. The character Tommy, known for being perpetually unemployed, appeared to be a nod to Butler’s current situation.
This suspension follows two others earlier this month. On January 3, Butler was benched for seven games after “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team,” according to the Heat. He was also suspended for two games after missing the team’s flight to Milwaukee earlier this month.
Butler has been vocal about wanting a fresh start, saying he’d like to be traded to “get my joy back.” The Heat have acknowledged his request, stating they’ll consider trade offers.
In his sixth season with the Heat, Butler has averaged 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. The team currently holds an even 22-22 record and sits eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. Will Butler’s time in Miami come to an end soon? Only time will tell.