The Miami Heat are preparing for the possible return of Jimmy Butler after his seven-game suspension ends, provided he hasn’t been traded by then. According to The Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang, the Heat are determined not to let Butler sit out while collecting the remainder of his $48.8 million salary. If he remains with the team, Butler will be expected to return to action after the suspension, which will end on January 17, when the Heat host the Denver Nuggets.
Despite the suspension, Butler has been permitted to work out at the team’s Kaseya Center while the Heat are on a six-game road trip. He will be eligible to play in the January 17 game, barring a trade in the interim. Miami management has made it clear that they do not intend to let Butler stay away from the team indefinitely.
Ongoing Trade Talks
Over the past few days, Miami has been in active trade talks, though they have yet to receive an offer they consider worthwhile. One team expressing interest in Butler is the Phoenix Suns, but a potential deal has been complicated by Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause. The Heat have no interest in acquiring Beal, and since he holds the power to veto any trade, any deal involving Beal would require a third team to absorb his $50.2 million salary, further complicating the process.
The Heat’s challenge is not only finding a trade partner, but also their desire to keep financial commitments low beyond this season. According to Marc Stein, Miami has been seeking a deal that would avoid taking on guaranteed salary for future years. This has led to difficulties in finding an immediate trade, especially with the Golden State Warriors reportedly no longer interested in Butler.
The Playoff Implications
The Heat’s efforts to trade Butler are also affected by their playoff aspirations. Missing the postseason would have significant ramifications for Miami. If the Heat fail to qualify for the playoffs, they would owe an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This pick was originally part of the deal that brought Butler to Miami in 2019 and was later acquired by the Thunder in 2022. If Miami does make the playoffs, the Heat would instead send Oklahoma City their 2025 first-round pick, which could be a lottery pick depending on their final standing.
Pat Riley’s Dilemma
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst notes that Miami is currently operating from a position of weakness in trade talks. Pat Riley’s declaration last month that Butler would not be traded came after the Heat received several unsatisfactory offers. Rival teams appear to be testing Miami’s resolve to move Butler, with the Suns being the most aggressive suitor. However, Beal’s contract remains a significant obstacle.
Although a trade seems likely before the February deadline, it remains uncertain if the Heat can secure fair value for Butler. Miami’s next steps will determine if they move forward with him or part ways in a deal. For now, the Heat’s immediate focus will be on Butler’s return to action, which could play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s future.
