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By Matt Levine
Contributing Sports Writer
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One of the biggest stories around the NBA of late has been what the Miami Heat will do with star Jimmy Butler. Butler has requested a trade out of Miami and has been suspended for the past few games.
Now, more details have emerged about why the Heat decided to suspend Butler. It goes past just his request to be traded.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, there were multiple incidents where Butler skipped morning shootarounds while insisting on taking private flights separate from the team. Miami decided enough was enough and suspended the star to show some consequences for his actions.
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Butler should be back with the team soon as the suspension will be ending. The star will likely rejoin the team on the floor as Miami continues its season.
But with the Heat willing to listen to trade packages for the star, his future in Miami remains up in the air. However, his contract seems to be a massive talking point in any potential trade deal.
More news: Massive Blockbuster Trade Idea Sees Warriors Land $215 Million All-Star Guard
Butler is scheduled to make $48.7 million this season and holds a player option for $52 million next year. While there have been rumors about Butler entering free agency, it is hard to see him turning down over $50 million.
Teams such as the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets have all been linked to Butler. But the Suns have been the most talked about, with Phoenix reportedly wanting to land Butler very badly.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Phoenix is exploring different ways to get the star out to Arizona.
"Phoenix wants Butler and Butler wants Phoenix — "I've heard they want him bad," one league source says of the Suns — but the obstacles preventing such a swap continue to be considerable.
Read more: Suns Reportedly Exploring All Avenues to Land Jimmy Butler
Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reported recently that a deal for Butler is nowhere close.
"The Heat has had discussions with several teams in recent days regarding a potential Butler trade, according to a league source. But as of Sunday night, a deal was not close."
The six-time All-Star remains an effective player on the court but he is 35 years old. Opposing teams likely won't want to part with massive assets for him, leaving Miami with limited options.
For the year, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Butler is also shooting 37.5 percent from beyond the 3-point line this year.
It remains to be seen what will happen with Butler but he could stay with the Heat through the remainder of the season. Once the offseason comes around, it may be easier to trade him, with teams having a clearer idea of what his next contract could look like.
For more Miami Heat and NBA news, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.
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