Jimmy Butler Leaves Game With Ankle Injury, Illness

[RealGM Wiretap]

Jimmy Butler tweaked his left ankle during the first quarter of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and was subsequently ruled out with an illness. It is not yet clear when Butler will be available to play either due to the illness or ankle. The Miami Heat play again on Saturday at the Orlando Magic and then host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. 

Butler left with 4:41 left in the first quarter. He was scoreless and finished with two assists. 

Butler's future with the Heat is uncertain amid a contract stalemate and trade rumors.

Via ESPN

[ecuhus1981]

The dreaded ankle illness. It must be trade szn.

[GMjobZK]

The dreaded ankle illness. It must be trade szn.

Illness as an n anxiety knowing no one wants to pay him. He wants max dollars. Not happening… stay with the heat.

[niha17]

jimmy buckets is now a load manager

[Pickled Prunes]

jimmy buckets is now a load manager

He's averaged <63 games per season over his entire career and played more than 67 games just once. Since leaving CHI, he has only consistently given maximum effort in the playoffs. He is the living embodiment of "load management".