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Jimmy Butler is set to return from suspension for the Miami Heat's home game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Butler isn't listed on the injury report, which indicates that he's expected to play. However, it's clear Butler has no interest in playing for Miami any longer.

In his last two games before being suspended, Butler played with what the Heat deemed to be an unacceptable effort level. That's made his return to the team interesting, as Butler has shown in the past how uncomfortable he can make things when he's unhappy.

"Jimmy hasn't even really started," said one source close to Butler about how much more uncomfortable he can make things with Miami.

On the flip side, those close to the Heat aren't sure they even want to see their star player back with the team.

"I don't know how he can come back to this locker room," one source close to the team said. Said another, "We don't want him back."

Via Ramona Shelburne/ESPN

I don't think Jimmy beats Pat in this game of chicken.

The only thing he's going to hurt is his career.

If this is a thing, cleared or not, why would Spolstra play him? OR tell him he can stay away from the team with pay

i hope he **** up the team dynamic bad, like he did with MIN

TheCage4 wrote:I don't think Jimmy beats Pat in this game of chicken.

he already did with this whole trade request

Hans1984 wrote:The only thing he's going to hurt is his career.

Didnt hurt hardens

Hans1984 wrote:The only thing he's going to hurt is his career.

I doubt it! We haven’t forgot how Jimmy carried the Heat on his back to the Finals.

Hans1984 wrote:The only thing he's going to hurt is his career.

Jimmy has already illustrated previously what sort of extremes he's willing to go to in order to get away from a team he no longer wishes to remain with - and yet Riley still traded for him in 2019 and then extended him after that.

So, I think this cuts both ways. It certainly doesn't help Jimmy's reputation across the league. But, I also doubt that any front offices are particularly surprised by his behavior. Riley went on the offensive rather publicly last summer. So, this was almost expected if he didn't agree to extend him again.

The longer Riley waits, the more this hurts his team. I was shocked to see them allow Jimmy to return to the locker room tonight. So who knows what happens at this point...

Vegeta10176 wrote:

Hans1984 wrote:The only thing he's going to hurt is his career.

Didnt hurt hardens

You think ?

LeBron and Bronny + 1 unprotected future first round pick from the Lakers to the Heat

Jimmy + all of the Lakers remaining draft capital from the Lakers to the Bucks

Giannis to Lakers

This trade makes sense for all three. The Lakers mortgage the entire future on a Giannis + AD pairing. Miami gets some compensation for Jimmy and some star power while they retool.

The Bucks get a competitor who might keep them in the playoff hunt so they don't miss their own lost picks too badly. Eventually they'll have the Laker's very high draft picks and their own, after Giannis and AD are too old, and they can rebuild.

These three teams only have one real contender between them, and the Lakers have the most picks, so it makes sense. Meanwhile, LeBron could retire with the team he played best with and hurry up and get off the books. Butler can get his paychecks for a few more years, since the Bucks love handing them out. Giannis gets to play for a real contender again for another year or two. Everyone gets something.

beefman wrote:

TheCage4 wrote:I don't think Jimmy beats Pat in this game of chicken.

he already did with this whole trade request

Is he traded yet? No.