The Utah Jazz and Miami Heat will face off on Saturday night at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. With a 17-15 record, the Heat currently hold the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. However, the team will be without star player Jimmy Butler, who has been suspended for seven games due to “conduct detrimental to the team.”
The suspension comes after Butler’s controversial remarks during a postgame press conference. In the postgame press conference, he expressed dissatisfaction with his time in Miami. Butler openly stated that he doesn’t believe he can be happy playing for the franchise. While Butler is not listed on the Heat’s injury report, the team has confirmed he will not be available for the game against the Jazz.
Breaking: The Miami Heat have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team particularly the last several weeks, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/Nudni48m9z
— ESPN (@espn) January 4, 2025
The Heat will also be without Josh Richardson, who was sidelined with a heel injury. Dru Smith is also out for the season due to an Achilles injury.
Meanwhile, it’s the perfect opportunity for the Jazz, who want to snap their five-game losing streak. Nevertheless, they have their own injury concerns. John Collins is listed as questionable with a hip injury. Meanwhile, rookie Taylor Hendricks is out for the season with a fibula injury.
Miami Heat Open To Jimmy Butler Offers After Public Fallout
The relationship between Jimmy Butler and the Heat has reached a breaking point. Despite Heat president Pat Riley’s initial stance against trading Butler, recent developments suggest a team position shift. After Butler said he wanted to be traded, the Heat announced on Monday that they would entertain trade offers for their star player.
“Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded; therefore, we will listen to offers,” the Heat said.
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Butler is in the final year of his three-year contract he signed in 2021. The Heat star is playing his sixth season with Miami. He has missed 10 games due to a sprained ankle and stomach illness. Butler has averaged 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game when on the court.
