Heat Suspend Jimmy Butler For Seven Games, Will Listen To Trade Offers

[RealGM Wiretap]

The Miami Heat have announced a seven-game suspension for Jimmy Butler for conduct detrimental to the team. Miami also indicated they will listen to trade offer for Butler.

“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks. Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”

Via RealGM Staff Report

[ontnut]

Riley's been an old grumpy man, and some would say a tyrant, but Jimmy deserves this. He went from underrated leader to a team killer over the years. Good to see an organization take a stand and not fold to its aging star player.

[Wildcat]

Riley's been an old grumpy man, and some would say a tyrant, but Jimmy deserves this. He went from underrated leader to a team killer over the years. Good to see an organization take a stand and not fold to its aging star player.

I have every reason to dislike Miami, but I agree with this. No player is greater than the team.

[Wildcat]

Riley's been an old grumpy man, and some would say a tyrant, but Jimmy deserves this. He went from underrated leader to a team killer over the years. Good to see an organization take a stand and not fold to its aging star player.

I have every reason to dislike Miami, but I agree with this. No player is greater than the team. Pat called Jimmy on his BS.

[vincecarter4pres]

Riley's been an old grumpy man, and some would say a tyrant, but Jimmy deserves this. He went from underrated leader to a team killer over the years. Good to see an organization take a stand and not fold to its aging star player.

I have every reason to dislike Miami, but I agree with this. No player is greater than the team.

Many players are greater than the team, but 49 and a half year old Jimmy Butler is not one of them.

[ontnut]

Riley's been an old grumpy man, and some would say a tyrant, but Jimmy deserves this. He went from underrated leader to a team killer over the years. Good to see an organization take a stand and not fold to its aging star player.

I have every reason to dislike Miami, but I agree with this. No player is greater than the team.

Many players are greater than the team, but 49 and a half year old Jimmy Butler is not one of them.

That list really only consists of guys who have been in the top 5 of MVP voting in the last ~4 years or so.
Jimmy is 3 years removed from his last all-star appearance, and while he made NBA 2nd team in 22-23, I think we all saw that as a bit of a fluke at the tail end of his prime, and the voting was skewed by MIA's unlikely playoff run as the 7th seed.

[Vegeta10176]

I have every reason to dislike Miami, but I agree with this. No player is greater than the team.

Many players are greater than the team, but 49 and a half year old Jimmy Butler is not one of them.

That list really only consists of guys who have been in the top 5 of MVP voting in the last ~4 years or so.
Jimmy is 3 years removed from his last all-star appearance, and while he made NBA 2nd team in 22-23, I think we all saw that as a bit of a fluke at the tail end of his prime, and the voting was skewed by MIA's unlikely playoff run as the 7th seed.

A fluke but made the nba finals because he played so well lol what is this

[dirkdiggler4177]

The right move by the Heat. Team first culture. The problem was that the Heat was not trying to trade him as soon as Butler said he wanted out. Like they know Butler's story, it will just repeat itself. His value is really low at 35 years, playing 50-60 games a season. They could just say he is not playing anymore this season (to prevent injuries and don't mess with the younger players) and let the playoff contenders do a bidding war for him.

[Roy T]

He wanted his cake and he can eat it now.

[elmdawgg69]

This is worse than the Minny situation from 2018. Heat will be lucky to get a bad expiring contract back in return and maybe a second round pick.

[Risk Addict]

I think NBA should make player options into dual player/team options if a player demands a trade. Teams need to be able to gain some more control in these types of situations. Would allow team to just sit on a contract and let it expire sooner if there are no trades that actually help them build for the future . Such BS that a player can pick up an option and still demand a trade

[MegaK]

Yo Jimmy right bro. Miami trash bro. He the only good playa and the rest scrub bro! He bout to Laker bro. He love LeBron Jr and Reddick he boy bro. They bout to get a ring like Jimmy deserved bro. He a champ bro.

[fredweis]

I think NBA should make player options into dual player/team options if a player demands a trade. Teams need to be able to gain some more control in these types of situations. Would allow team to just sit on a contract and let it expire sooner if there are no trades that actually help them build for the future . Such BS that a player can pick up an option and still demand a trade

The players association would never allow that. The market needs to correct itself.

First off, Lebron is getting paid 50m per season. Jimmy is not one of the best players in the history of the game and getting 50m. Riley shouldn't have given him such a rich contract knowing he'd be 37 at the end of the contract.

Hence it's up to the team owners, presidents and GM's to not give out max contracts to guys who are going to be 36, 37 or older on the backend of 5 year max contracts when the player is 32. Or be smart and make the contracts front loaded contract in salary with de-escalating salaries year over year so the contract is easier to trade at the backend. That's often done already.

Just because the CBA states players with more years played and accolades (eg All NBA) are entitled to get more money in contract extensions doesn't mean the teams have to pay that salary. Negotiate.

I was surprised Boston paid Jrue Holiday a max 3 year extension at his age, especially with Pritchard and D White on the roster, but he's worth it to them as a team leader and making the most of Boston's championship window.

Miami's window is closed. They can rebuild around Bam and Herro. That 50M is better allocated on a quick rebuild.

Jimmy is delusional if he opts out the 50m option thinking he'll get a max extension somewhere else. After the Paul George and Kawhi Leonard extension debacles the jig is up. Those guys will never play up to those contracts. Teams will pay 11M for one season of a 38 yr Chris Paul, a guy who actually makes his teammates better and is a locker room leader.

Best comp for Butler is what DeRozan got from the Kings: 3 yrs, approx 75m but Butler comes with headaches. He's less desirable than Derozan unless he shows otherwise. Butler should take the 50m option, play his ass off next season, then re-enter FA in the summer of 2026 and try to secure 2 yr/50m contract.

[fredweis]

This is worse than the Minny situation from 2018. Heat will be lucky to get a bad expiring contract back in return and maybe a second round pick.

Lakers are desperate enough to try and win in the shrinking window remaining for Lebron. They can assume the risk on Butler and his contract and will send out quality rotation players, which IMO is better for Miami than draft picks. If Riley wants draft picks, Pelinka will find them.

A three way trade with New Orleans is very possible.

Miami may be willing to roll the dice on Zion and his non-guaranteed contract after next season. If he can play, I think Zion and Bam would mesh terrifically. Or they can take CJ McCollum and his bloated contract along with some other pieces.

Miami can use this situation to rebuild on the fly and still be a playoff team. Rozier has been a terrible fit, if they can send him out that would be a plus for Miami.

[fredweis]

The right move by the Heat. Team first culture.

That's Miami's saving grace. Their ability to compete is not predicated on any one player. Riley and Spo are not going anywhere.

[ontnut]

Many players are greater than the team, but 49 and a half year old Jimmy Butler is not one of them.

That list really only consists of guys who have been in the top 5 of MVP voting in the last ~4 years or so.
Jimmy is 3 years removed from his last all-star appearance, and while he made NBA 2nd team in 22-23, I think we all saw that as a bit of a fluke at the tail end of his prime, and the voting was skewed by MIA's unlikely playoff run as the 7th seed.

A fluke but made the nba finals because he played so well lol what is this

Plus a very weak team lineup in the playoffs

[Accurim]

jimmys a headache now, but hes the reason they went to the nba finals. the heat werent a good team post-lebron, and they wont be good post-jimmy for awhile.

[Pickled Prunes]

jimmys a headache now, but hes the reason they went to the nba finals. the heat werent a good team post-lebron, and they wont be good post-jimmy for awhile.

They aren't good now. They'll be fine.

[Vegeta10176]

I think NBA should make player options into dual player/team options if a player demands a trade. Teams need to be able to gain some more control in these types of situations. Would allow team to just sit on a contract and let it expire sooner if there are no trades that actually help them build for the future . Such BS that a player can pick up an option and still demand a trade

The players association would never allow that. The market needs to correct itself.

First off, Lebron is getting paid 50m per season. Jimmy is not one of the best players in the history of the game and getting 50m. Riley shouldn't have given him such a rich contract knowing he'd be 37 at the end of the contract.

Hence it's up to the team owners, presidents and GM's to not give out max contracts to guys who are going to be 36, 37 or older on the backend of 5 year max contracts when the player is 32. Or be smart and make the contracts front loaded contract in salary with de-escalating salaries year over year so the contract is easier to trade at the backend. That's often done already.

Just because the CBA states players with more years played and accolades (eg All NBA) are entitled to get more money in contract extensions doesn't mean the teams have to pay that salary. Negotiate.

I was surprised Boston paid Jrue Holiday a max 3 year extension at his age, especially with Pritchard and D White on the roster, but he's worth it to them as a team leader and making the most of Boston's championship window.

Miami's window is closed. They can rebuild around Bam and Herro. That 50M is better allocated on a quick rebuild.

Jimmy is delusional if he opts out the 50m option thinking he'll get a max extension somewhere else. After the Paul George and Kawhi Leonard extension debacles the jig is up. Those guys will never play up to those contracts. Teams will pay 11M for one season of a 38 yr Chris Paul, a guy who actually makes his teammates better and is a locker room leader.

Best comp for Butler is what DeRozan got from the Kings: 3 yrs, approx 75m but Butler comes with headaches. He's less desirable than Derozan unless he shows otherwise. Butler should take the 50m option, play his ass off next season, then re-enter FA in the summer of 2026 and try to secure 2 yr/50m contract.

Butler is less but what the heat have out of Butler for 5 years is 2 finals appearances with a team that isn't that good and several ecf appearances including going to g7 and just missing out on another finals berth.. I think Jimmy earned his keep despite the fact he is now clearly on the decline.. Riley wouldn't even give a legacy contract to wade.. Superstars should be wary of going to miami.. Not paying Jimmy is fair but not giving a bit of an overpay to wade was a little rich. Maybe NO will work out a trade this is a tough trade though because the contract is so much and miami are in the first apron.