The most surprising NBA teams of all time.
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gave Miami Heat Forward Jimmy Butler is scheduled to be suspended after missing the team flight, a person with knowledge of the punishment told USA TODAY Sports.
The man asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the Heat announced the suspension.
This is Butler’s second suspension this month. On January 3, the Heat suspended him for seven games “due to numerous incidents of conduct detrimental to the team throughout the season and particularly over the last several weeks”. Through his actions and statements, he has shown that he no longer wants to be a part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated they want to be traded, so we will listen to offers.
Butler returned from his suspension on Friday and has played in Miami’s last three games – a loss to Denver, a win over San Antonio and a loss to Portland. According to ESPN, he is expected to play Thursday’s game in Milwaukee and Saturday’s game in Brooklyn.
The Butler-Hit saga continues to be a distraction for Miami, which is 21-21 and competing for a postseason spot with several other Eastern Conference teams hovering around .500.
Butler to Phoenix has been a much-discussed potential trade, and Butler would like to play with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
On Tuesday, the Suns acquired three first-round draft picks in a trade with Utah to help facilitate a deal to land Butler. This is not an easy trade to make. Suns guard Bradley Beal will have to waive his no-trade clause, and more than likely, a third or fourth team will need to sign him.
The trade deadline is February 6.
Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zilgit on social media. @JeffZillgitt
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