Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler will be out for at least the final two games of his team’s trip. While he is still recovering from his illness.
The Heat’s announcement means the six-time All-Star will not be available when Miami plays the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets this weekend.
Butler could be back on the field on New Year’s Day when the Heat host the New Orleans Pelicans, although the franchise will likely be following Butler’s recovery closely. It will be a few more days before his return to court is cleared.
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Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat leaves the court after the team’s win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 27, 2022 in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Butler has not played since the first quarter of Miami’s December 20 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder when he sprained his ankle and had to leave the game due to illness.
HEAT PRESIDENT PAT RILEY shuts down JIMMY BUTLER trade rumors, addresses ‘distraction’
Miami has played three games since without Butler. Two games due to illness And then came Thursday’s win in Orlando. He returned to Miami to prepare for his return.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler warms up before Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets on June 9, 2023 in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
He was not with the team on the road trip.
The Heat said Thursday they will not trade Butler. ESPN reports the 2021 NBA steals leader wants to be moved before the Feb. 1, 2020 trade deadline.
Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat prepares to shoot a penalty shootout against the Washington Wizards in February on December 2, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Kenny Gearla/NBAE via Getty Images)
“We normally don’t comment on rumours. But all this speculation turned out to be something that bothered the team. and is unfair to the players and coaches,” Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. “So we will be clear. We will not trade Jimmy Butler.”
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Butler has not publicly expressed his desire to be traded. He is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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