Jimmy Butler Was Punished Once More After Missing Practice

After the irate star left practice on Monday, the Miami Heat announced that forward Jimmy Butler will be banned without pay for an undetermined amount of time.

Butler was supposed to return from his second suspension against the Orlando Magic on Monday night, but the Heat have now suspended him three times in as many weeks. The most recent suspension, according to the Heat, will extend for at least five games, or until the NBA’s trade deadline on February 6.

According to reports, the Heat intended to start Haywood Highsmith in place of Butler, but he reacted to the news by leaving the morning shootaround.

Miami Heat issue statement on Jimmy Butler

In its statement, Miami said: “The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services,” “This includes walking out of practice earlier today.”

The previous suspensions, the first of which was for seven games for behavior the Heat considered harmful, caused Butler to miss nine of Miami’s previous 12 games. Butler missed a team flight to Milwaukee last week, and the Heat punished him for two games after he returned for three games.

The Heat stated that they were looking for a deal after the veteran had made a trade request. Under the most recent ban, Butler could lose $532,737 each game.

The Heat defeated Orlando 125-119 in double overtime after rallying from a 14-point hole in the fourth quarter without Butler. The Heat will play Cleveland at home on Wednesday.

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