Report: Heat expect Butler back with team after suspension if not traded

Jimmy Butler's reprieve from the Miami Heat may only be temporary.

The Heat expect their exiled veteran to rejoin the active roster and compete if they're unable to trade him during his team-issued seven-game suspension, a source told the Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang. With a $48.8-million salary this season, Miami reportedly doesn't intend to pay Butler to remain away from the team.

Several teams have already discussed a possible Butler trade with the Heat, Chiang reports. The Phoenix Suns are reportedly intrigued, but Miami isn't interested in Bradley Beal's contract. Beal's pact contains a rare no-trade clause, but his $50.2-million salary this season is a near-perfect match for Butler.

The Golden State Warriors reportedly had internal discussions about adding Butler. However, they're believed to prefer other trade targets, such as Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, and aren't considered a viable option for the Heat wing.

Butler reportedly sought a two-year, $113-million extension during the offseason and was upset when Miami made no such offer. On Dec. 31, following weeks of trade rumors surrounding the six-time All-Star, Butler said he didn't care about getting traded. He then told reporters two days later that he'd lost his joy playing for the Heat.

Miam's 136-100 home loss Saturday to the Utah Jazz was Game 1 of the 35-year-old's seven-game ban, which is slated to run through the team's Jan. 15 meeting against the Los Angeles Lakers. That date is also when several players re-signed by their teams this past offseason will become trade-eligible.

Butler is averaging 17.6 points through 22 games this season, his lowest output since joining Miami ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign. He's also averaging 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals while posting 55.2/37.5/78.8 shooting splits.