Butler’s spell in Miami seems certain for an acrimonious divorce amid reports of a feud with team president Pat Riley.

Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat (X)

The tensions continue to rise between the Miami Heat and star Jimmy Butler, with the star being been hit with a new suspension after missing a team flight to Milwaukee.

Butler, who only recently returned after serving a seven-game suspension for indicating he wished to leave Miami, has been given a two-game ban, a statement said.

“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for two games for continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team, including missing today’s team flight to Milwaukee,” the Heat said.

Butler, in his 15th career NBA campaign, sparked the Heat into the 2020 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, and the 2023 finals, where Miami was beaten by Denver.

But his spell in Miami seems certain for an acrimonious divorce amid reports of a feud with team president Pat Riley.

Butler officially requested a trade from the Heat just hours following a double-digit loss to the Indiana Pacers last month.

Not only was the six-time All-Star asking out, but he took it a step further by making known he was willing to play anywhere except Miami.

In the post-match conference following Heat’s loss to Pacers, when asked what he wants to see happen, Butler didn’t hold back.

“What do I want to see happen? I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball and wherever that may be, we’ll find out pretty soon. I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant, I want to hoop and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”

When asked if he believes he can get that joy back in Miami, he responded: “Probably not.”

Butler is in the final year of his contract with a $49 million salary, plus a $52 million player option for next season.

(With agency inputs)

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News sports NBA: Jimmy Butler Under Fire Again As Miami Heat Suspends Star For Missing Team Flight