The Miami Heat just suffered a brutal loss, one that fans won’t forget anytime soon. But guess what? There’s no time to sulk—they’re back in action on Monday, hosting the Brooklyn Nets. Miami’s on a rough patch, dropping three straight games, while Brooklyn isn’t exactly thriving either, with seven losses in their last nine. And here’s the kicker: Jimmy Butler won’t be suiting up.

That six-time All-Star is sitting out Monday’s game versus the Nets at Kaseya Center due to a lingering stomach illness. The 35-year-old star was initially listed as questionable but won’t be suiting up, marking his second missed game in a row. If you caught Friday’s loss to OKC, you probably saw him leave early because of this same issue.

He also didn’t play Saturday against Orlando, and now he’s out again. That’s seven games he’s missed in just 27 this season. Honestly, it’s frustrating—kind of like when your favorite show keeps delaying the next episode.

Fans had mixed reactions as they found out he won’t be suiting up.

Fans sick of Jimmy Butler’s unavailability

One fan wrote,“Is he sick, or the Heat do not want to risk Jimmy getting injured while trying to trade him. I hope not.”.  It’s not unusual in the NBA for teams to play it safe with star players, especially when trade rumors swirl or potential deals could be in the works. For a 35-year-old like Butler, who has a history of carrying heavy workloads, limiting his risk of injury could preserve his trade value or longevity with the team.

A fan wrote a heartfelt tweet. “Came from South Dakota to see you. Hope you’re feeling better for Orlando, we’re driving up there too! My wife is celebrating her birthday. @JimmyButler” they wrote. Traveling from South Dakota to see Butler is a clear sign of dedication. And the fact that they’re still showing support, even though Butler’s out, speaks to the bond fans have with him—not just as a player, but as a person.

It’s not uncommon for athletes like Butler to have loyal supporters who go the extra mile, literally and figuratively, to back them up. Mentioning that his wife is celebrating her birthday during the game is a reminder that Butler’s impact extends beyond basketball.

A fan was both grateful and ticked off. They said, “He’s paid to skip games!” While he may have been an important part of Miami but his inability to stay on the floor consistently has left some questioning whether it’s time for a change. He has already missed 7 games this season.

The fan’s frustration is understandable when you consider the Heat’s position: they’re fighting for playoff spots and can’t afford to rely on a player who’s frequently unavailable.

It wouldn’t be X without someone throwing some shade. A netizen wrote, “Nice to see Jimmy taking Pat’s plea to be more available this season seriously.”. After the first-round series last year Butler said if he was playing the Celtics and Knicks would be at home. Pat Riley called him out to be healthy enough to play against them.

There’s also the question of whether Butler’s health can ever be fully in sync with the team’s championship window. As a player in his mid-30s, his body might naturally require more rest, but for a team like Miami, that’s a luxury they can’t always afford.

“Trade him already then” tweeted another fan. When healthy, Butler clearly shows his value—he’s a 6-time All-Star, a clutch performer, and a leader who guided Miami to the 2020 NBA Finals and played a key role in their 2022 postseason run. But as the years go by, the reality sets in that Butler’s durability is becoming a major factor in the Heat’s plan.

From a team-building standpoint, trading Butler could make sense if the Heat decide they need more consistency and depth to stay competitive in a tough Eastern Conference. However, pulling off such a trade would be challenging due to Butler’s contract, age, and injury-prone status, which could lower his market value.