Jimmy Butler had just come back from his second suspension. But not set foot on the hardwood. Just to be suspended. AGAIN. The 35-year-old is in the midst of his sixth season with the Heat, but it has been a tumultuous one, to say the least. Earlier in January, Miami suspended Butler for seven games for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team,” after his public comments suggesting he wanted to be traded.

As part of the suspension statement, the Heat announced that they would listen to trade offers for Butler. He returned to play in 3 games after his 7-game suspension, but was handed another 2-game suspension after missing a team flight. On January 27, Butler was suspended once again after walking out of practice. The latest suspension is indefinite, meaning the 6-time All-Star may have played his final game with the Heat. With that, Butler has missed 14 of Miami’s last 19 games entering Monday, including nine of the last 12 because of the suspensions. Hours before the third suspension, Heat guard Tyler Herro was asked what it’s like to have Butler available again after a suspension.

“It kind of feels normal now at this point. Kind of is what it is, but nothing’s guaranteed. We’ve just got to be ready to roll with whatever cards we’re dealt tonight. We’ve just got to be ready to go.” Herro’s reply indicated how the entire saga is affecting the team. Add Butler’s trade matter to it. Butler wants a trade, and Miami is trying to comply. But here is the matter.

Sources told ESPN, the Herald, and Yahoo Sports that the Heat’s asking price for Butler has lowered in the wake of the latest situation, with a deal imminent as the February 6 trade deadline is quickly closing in. Butler’s behavior isn’t just affecting him—it’s hurting the Miami Heat financially and competitively. The $4.25 billion franchise has been forced to bench one of its biggest stars, which has led to mounting losses. Looking at the entire situation, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard did not mince their words to slam Butler amid the controversy.

Speaking on his podcast, Carmelo Anthony said, “Everybody’s looking at you now like you affect their business. You are a cancer to the business, not to the team. We know you can hoop, we know you can play, but you are affecting… you are a cancer. You don’t want to become a cancer… Now the organization looks embarrassed,” Anthony said.

The former Knicks star stressed that the situation is no longer about just basketball. It’s about the way Butler is perceived, and right now, the perception is damaging both his own reputation and the Heat’s standing in the league. “Even though Jimmy’s a vet, you got to have a real conversation with him,” Anthony continued. “Are you in or are you out? Let me know, let me know so I can… I’mma work this with you.”

Dwight Howard, who was a guest on the show, shared his thoughts on how Butler’s behavior is shaping the way teams see him. When asked if he would sign Butler if he were a general manager, Howard acknowledged Butler’s talent but was hesitant. He emphasized that before considering any move, he would need to have a serious conversation with Butler to understand his mindset. “What are you trying to accomplish? Because, you know, I’m trying to take this team to the promised land and I need a true leader. You’re going to be that leader for my team? This is what it’s going to look like,” Howard said.

Howard’s response highlights a growing issue for Butler. His own words in a press conference, stating, “I want my joy back… I want to play with a dominant team,” only further signaled that his time with Miami is nearing an end. But here is something interesting. Doesn’t Butler’s trajectory look surprisingly similar to his close Super Bowl champion NFL friend?

Top Comment by Bill Merk

It seems he’s following the Antonio Brown of the NFL. Loads of talent, skill, etc. Good teammate when the goings...more

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Antonio Brown, we are talking about. Remember how this controversial Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver’s NFL career finished? Like Butler, that also ended with a walk-out. On January 2, 2022, Brown abruptly left the field mid-game, removing his jersey and exiting shirtless the game against the New York Jets. Butler is a good friend of Brown and the former had once revealed that he owes Antonio Brown $30,000 after betting the Oakland Raiders star he could stop him from catching a pass in the red zone. Making matters even more difficult was that the pass was coming from Russell Wilson.

Both players were considered strong candidates for the Hall of Fame, but such troubles have thrown that into jeopardy. In fact, social media is abuzz with comments like “Jimmy Butler is the Antonio Brown of the NBA.” As for Butler, fans may hesitate to attend games if Butler isn’t on the court, and other teams could be reluctant to trade for him, given his recent conduct. Without a viable trade, the Heat are left in a difficult position, and Pat Riley, already dealing with the challenge of improving the roster, now has another major problem on his hands.

The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns may have lost interest in a Jimmy Butler acquisition

For the last few weeks, two teams stood out amidst rumors of a Jimmy Butler trade. They were the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns. A Suns acquisition would work, as Austin Rivers highlighted, “They’re (Kevin Durant and Devin Booker) going to be happy when they get him”. Brian Windhorst even revealed updates on potential trade discussions, stating “Phoenix has also discussed using the one first-round pick it is still allowed to trade (2031) in various talks around trying to acquire Butler”.

For the Bay Area, securing the veteran forward resolves their need for a good offensive partner for Stephen Curry. It would improve things on the shooting front. However, from the looks of things, any potential interest regarding the player may have closed up.

The Phoenix Suns cannot acquire Butler until they get rid of their small forward, Bradley Beal. But everyone knows he’s under a no-trade clause, and recently refused to be traded to the Chicago Bulls. According to NBA reporter Brett Siegel, this has caused the Suns to look for new targets. As highlighted, “Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanović has emerged as a target for the Suns ahead of the trade deadline, league sources told ClutchPoints”.

As for the Golden State Warriors, senior analyst Kevin O’Conner highlighted “Curry himself has reservations about Butler’s fit in the Warriors’ locker room”. On top of that, it is a sentiment shared by head coach Steve Kerr too! This reluctance supposedly comes from Butler’s problems with the Miami Heat and also his former teams.

The doors are closing for Jimmy Butler. In the limited time he has left, the player can heed the words of Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard. He can create a new image for himself. That way, he would get a new home more quickly. On top of that, some pressure from the Heat front office will be lifted too.