Another day, another drama unfolds in Miami, and of course, it’s revolving around Jimmy Butler. The star has been at the center of attention over the past couple of weeks for all the wrong reasons. After just returning from one suspension, he’s now been sidelined for two more games. Why? Apparently, missing a flight means missing a couple of games as well. President Pat Riley had hoped to keep the forward on track this time, but instead, things took an unexpected turn and it just didn’t sit well with Stephen A. Smith, who had previously criticized Zion Williamson for “stealing money” from the Pelicans for a similar reason.

As this was brought up on First Take, Stephen A. Smith addressed the issue, saying, “Jimmy Butler, if you are watching, you are not helping yourself, my brother. Mark Andrews in the Baltimore Ravens is a different animal, but there’s no question that, even though it’s understandable, it’s unprofessional.” Stephen A. had just criticized the Ravens tight end earlier after the NFL star skipped media obligations following two critical mistakes in the team’s 27-25 defeat to the Bills.

“This is an extra level on top of unprofessional,” Smith emphasized. “You got to show up for work in time and when you don’t show up to work, you got to own it. And when you just finished suffering a seven-game suspension, although you might have thought it was not justified, the fact of the matter is that was the decision that the organization has made.” The reason for Jimmy’s previous suspension was his public expression of unhappiness on the Miami court. But the seven-game suspension seemed too harsh, which ultimately led to a legal battle.

Stephen A. didn’t stop there. He further added, “There was a… $113 million extension you didn’t get, you’re hoping to get at least that from somebody else. How you going to get that, if this is your reputation going out the door and it’s getting worse?” Jimmy is reportedly waiting for a move to the Phoenix Suns, but all of this now seems complicated as he isn’t fully focused on the game.

Stephen A. Smith didn’t react without reason. In fact, there was a meeting taking place with the veteran forward in Miami when Jimmy was supposed to be with the team.

Jimmy Butler’s secret move sparks criticism

After his suspension news broke, Butler was spotted at the Reserve Cup Draft & Dinner, according to Anthony Chiang’s report. The tournament is back in Miami, with the Moncayo Ocean Club hosting the draft event. Turns out, Jimmy is “an honorary chairman and co-captain for this weekend’s Padel tournament in Miami,” Chiang shared on X.

Does this mean the missed flight was intentional? Did Jimmy Butler actually want to stay back, not wanting to play with the team and planning to leave? Only Jimmy can answer that. For now, he’ll miss tonight’s game against the Bucks, marking his 18th absence of the season. At 35, he’s averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, which shows the struggles he’s facing.

Right now, all he seems to want is to pack his bags and leave Miami. But that’s easier said than done, as the Suns haven’t made a move yet. Whether he’ll make that exit or if the future has a different plan for Jimmy, only time will tell.