The Miami Heat has placed star player Jimmy Butler on indefinite suspension after he departed from the team’s morning shootaround upon learning that he would not be included in the starting lineup, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to YSL News Sports on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue.

The suspension will last for a minimum of five games, as stated by the team, “due to a persistent pattern of violating team policies, exhibiting behavior harmful to the team, and purposefully withholding his participation. This includes leaving practice today.”

The Heat’s upcoming five games extend up to the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

This marks the third suspension for Butler in January. He was previously suspended for seven games on Jan. 3 for what the team described as “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season, especially in the last few weeks.” In that statement, the Heat suggested that Butler “no longer wishes to remain with this team,” adding that “Butler and his agent have expressed a desire for a trade, and we are open to offers.”

Following his return on Jan. 17, Butler played in three games before receiving a two-game suspension last week for “continuing to disregard team rules, showing insubordinate behavior, and conduct detrimental to the team, which included missing the team’s flight to Milwaukee,” as per the team’s announcement.

Butler made his way back to the squad just before Monday’s home game against the Orlando Magic. During the morning practice, he found out that the team intended to stick with the same starting lineup from the last game, in which Butler was suspended, thus designating him to come off the bench.

The conflict between Butler and the Heat has intensified this season, although it has been building for the past two years, particularly due to limited communication between Butler and Heat president Pat Riley.

Butler was instrumental in leading the Heat to the Finals in both 2020 and 2023. He currently averages 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, boasting shooting percentages of 54% from the field, 36.1% from three-point range, and 80.1% at the free-throw line.

The Heat holds a record of 22-22 and occupies the eighth position in the Eastern Conference, just half a game behind sixth-place Detroit.