Topline

Miami Heat star forward Jimmy Butler has been suspended for seven games, the team announced Friday, making the decision one day after Butler suggested a trade from Miami and said he lost his joy for basketball while playing for the team.

Key Facts

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Forbes Valuation

Butler ranked No. 7 on Forbes’ list of the NBA’s highest-paid players in 2024, bringing in $48.8 million on the court and $10 million through off-court business ventures.

Key Background

Butler is now in the final year of his roughly $49 million per season contract with the team. Miami Heat president Pat Riley, who said about a week ago the team had no intention of trading Butler, has had a contentious relationship with the star player. Riley suggested Butler should keep his “mouth shut” after the forward said on social media the Heat would have avoided its first-round playoff exit last season if he were healthy and playing. Riley later announced the Heat would not extend Butler’s contract before the current NBA season. Butler is shooting a career-high 55.3% from the field this season, according to ESPN, which noted his teams have made playoff appearances in 12 of his 13 seasons in the NBA.

Further Reading

Heat not trading All-Star Jimmy Butler, Pat Riley says (ESPN)

The NBA’s Highest-Paid Players 2024 (Forbes)