The Miami Heat continue to play without their star forward, Jimmy Butler, who remains sidelined due to an indefinite suspension. Butler has not stepped on the court since his second suspension, and his future with the team appears more uncertain than ever.
Since returning from his first suspension, he has seemed increasingly eager to leave Miami. In response, the Heat have acknowledged that they are open to trade discussions involving Butler. There is growing speculation that fans may have already seen him in a Heat jersey for the last time.
Meanwhile, the Heat are preparing to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Butler will miss the game as well.
The team has released its injury report ahead of the game. Dru Smith is out for the season with an Achilles injury, while Josh Richardson is also out with a heel issue. Duncan Robinson is listed as probable due to a hip injury.
The 76ers also have several key players dealing with injuries. Jared McCain is out for the season with a meniscus injury, and Paul George will miss the game due to illness. Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, and Kenyon Martin are all listed as questionable.
Jimmy Butler Unwilling To Join Warriors But Miami May Revisit Trade Talks
Jimmy Butler has already informed the Golden State Warriors that he is not interested in signing an extension with them. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst explained that the Warriors’ trade offer has not been strong enough. Nevertheless, Windhorst believes there is still a chance that the Heat could restart trade discussions and finalize a deal.
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“Essentially, they’re trying to trade Andrew Wiggins and some draft picks. That’s just not going to get them far. I think Miami was willing to do that deal for Butler. Let’s see if by Thursday that gets revisited,” Windhorst said on ESPN.
Butler reportedly declined the trade because he has a player option in his contract, which gives him some control over his future. It remains to be seen whether the Heat will reconsider their stance and push for a deal before time runs out.
