Heat suspend Butler 2 games for 'insubordinate conduct'
The Miami Heat suspended Jimmy Butler for two games for a "continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct, and conduct detrimental to the team," the team announced Wednesday.
The reason for Butler's suspension also included missing the team's flight to Milwaukee on Wednesday. Butler planned to join the team Wednesday night, reports ESPN's Shams Charania. He'll now miss the team's contests against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday and the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
Miami previously suspended the 35-year-old for seven games due to numerous instances of detrimental conduct. Butler reportedly reiterated his trade request to Heat president Pat Riley. Miami also publicly announced that the team would listen to trade requests for the six-time All-Star.
Butler averaged 13 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in between suspensions. He's averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 25 games.
Butler said after his seven-game ban that the whole truth would come out in time.
He reportedly prefers to be traded to the Phoenix Suns. The team apparently acquired three extra first-round picks Tuesday to potentially use in a trade for Butler.
The 21-21 Heat are ninth in the Eastern Conference.
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