The Miami Heat announced on Friday that they have suspended forward Jimmy Butler for seven games due to “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.”

“His actions and remarks indicate that he no longer wishes to be part of this organization,” the Heat stated.

This announcement did not specify an individual from the organization. It concluded with: “Jimmy Butler and his representative have expressed their desire to be traded, so we will consider offers.”

The suspension will result in a loss of $2.35 million for Butler, who has the option to submit a grievance. The National Basketball Players Association has stated it will do so, labeling the seven-game suspension as “excessive and inappropriate.”

The tension had been escalating, with the Heat appearing dissatisfied with Butler’s performance during their recent 119-108 win against New Orleans. In that game, he scored just nine points on five attempts, along with four rebounds and two assists. Despite returning from a two-week absence due to illness, he did not participate in the fourth quarter.

The possibility of a suspension was discussed following that game, and was solidified after a loss to the Indiana Pacers the next day.

On December 26, as uncertainty regarding Butler’s future grew, Heat president Pat Riley made it clear: “We will make it known – We are not trading Jimmy Butler.”

This might have been Riley’s aim to retain Butler through the season, as the Heat currently hold a 17-15 record, placing them sixth in the Eastern Conference. They are among various teams with near .500 records that could secure a playoff spot or fall into play-in games.

However, the situation has shifted.

Butler’s involvement with the Heat has lessened this season, contributing to his current frustration. Last year, he led the team with an average of 20.8 points from 13.2 shots and had a shooting percentage of 49.9%, alongside 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, resulting in a usage rating (the percentage of offensive plays finished by a player) of 23.5.

This season, he is scoring 17.6 points at a shooting rate of 55.2% but is only taking 10.5 shots per game, with a usage rating of 20.3. His playing time has also dropped from 34 minutes per game in the previous season to 30.8 this year. Nevertheless, the Heat perform better with Butler on the floor, outscoring opponents by 4.3 points per 100 possessions when he plays, compared to being outscored by less than a point when he sits.

After the game against the Pacers, Butler told the media, “I want to find joy in playing basketball again. Wherever that leads me, we will see soon. I’m content off the court, but I wish to return to being somewhat dominant. I want to play and help this team win, and currently, I’m not achieving that.”

Asked if he could regain that happiness with the Heat, Butler replied, “Probably not.”

Butler is contracted through the 2025-26 season at a value of $52.4 million, but he has a player option to enter free agency after this season.

Butler recently missed five games between December 21 and December 29 due to illness, and now he will be sidelined until January 15. This absence includes a six-game trip on the West Coast.