Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler left the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 20 due to a stomach illness. He also missed the subsequent game against the Orlando Magic for the same reason. However, a Heat legend recently suggested a different explanation for Butler’s absence.
After recovering from the illness, Butler said, “I was pretty bad, I was pretty messed up.” However, during an episode of SiriusXM Radio, Tim Hardaway Sr. mentioned that he heard Butler was out with friends at Prime 112.
“And you (Butler) let those guys down by not playing in Orlando, and then out kicking it somewhere. People were calling me saying ‘Man, he not even playing in Orlando. He at Prime 112 kicking it and eating and hanging out with folks.” Hardaway said.
https://t.co/jxmZdNkd9C pic.twitter.com/AgfkBuSbAg
— Clay Ferraro (@ClayWPLG) January 11, 2025
Butler is currently encountering several significant challenges with the Heat. Amidst this tension, Hardaway’s recent comments could potentially add another layer of difficulty for Butler as he navigates these issues.
Ex-NBA Star Reflects On Jimmy Butler-Miami Heat Saga
Butler stirred up controversy by openly hinting at wanting a trade during a recent interview. Following his remarks, the Heat suspended Butler for seven games, stating that they acknowledged his desire for a trade and would consider trade options. Additionally, Butler has been in conflict with Heat President Pat Riley for several months. Amid this situation, former NBA player Paul Pierce commented, “If I’m a superstar…I ain’t coming to [Heat] culture.”
“So name some better cultures than the Heat culture. Because that’s a winning culture. Just because you ask for a number & it ain’t going the way you want—don’t mean Miami don’t have a culture.” Kevin Garnett responded to Pierce on the recent episode of the Ticket and the Truth podcast.
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“If I’m a superstar…I ain’t coming to [Heat] culture” @paulpierce34
— Dru (@dru_star) January 11, 2025
“So name some better cultures than the Heat culture. Because that’s a winning culture. Just because you ask for a number & it ain’t going the way you want—don’t mean Miami don’t have a culture” @KevinGarnett5KG pic.twitter.com/sbvYBR2uEK
Butler’s current situation with the Heat has generated significant buzz within the NBA community. Fans are eager to discover where the superstar will be traded before the deadline on February 6, 2025.
Also Read: RUMOR: Jimmy Butler Still “Expected” To Stay With Miami Heat Despite A Lengthy Suspension