Jimmy Butler’s relationship with the Miami Heat keeps getting colder.
The 6-time All-Star was once again suspended by the team on Wednesday night.
It’s the latest development in a saga that has turned into an ugly public battle between the club and a player that led Miami to two NBA Finals.
“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for two games for (a) continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team, including missing today’s team flight to Milwaukee,” the team said in a statement.
Butler will miss games in Milwaukee on Thursday and in Brooklyn on Saturday. He had had just returned Friday from a seven-game team suspension for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.”
“Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team,” the Heat said in a statement when Butler was first suspended Jan. 3. “Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”
According to ESPN, Miami is willing to trade Butler, but only for a package that brings NBA-ready players, draft capital, movable short-term salary and young talent to Miami.
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 6.
Butler said Friday night that he and the franchise “are where we are” regarding their relationship, but his actions suggest he’s not willing to work on mending the rift at all.
In recent games, he sat by himself during some timeouts while not engaging in the huddle. He’s also been coloring his hair to match the colors of Heat opponents on his trade wish list such as Phoenix, Dallas, Houston and Golden State.
Butler, 35, is averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 25 games this season. Maimi is 21-21, ninth in the Eastern Conference.
Butler is in the last guaranteed year of his contract, but he has a player option worth more than $52 million for next season.