Heat suspend Jimmy Butler 7 games, will seek to trade him after 'conduct detrimental to the team'

Jimmy Butler was Miami's best player for five years, the leader of a team that went to the NBA Finals twice in his tenure. He talked big and, at times, played bigger. He spoke with reverence for the city, for the franchise, for the famed "Heat Culture."

He also missed a lot of games, seemed unhappy at times and then didn't get a $113 million extension that he was eligible for last summer.

And now, a breakup looms.

One day after Butler said that he doesn't think he can find on-court joy in Miami going forward, the Heat suspended him for seven games and said they will listen to trade offers — a clear sign that they do not expect him to wear their uniform again.

"We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks," the team said in a statement Friday night. "Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team."

Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.

Butler will lose about $336,543 US per game during the suspension, about $2,355,798 in all. He has the right to an appeal, which could lessen the financial hit.

Butler will not be with the team for its home game Saturday against Utah and then the totality of a six-game road trip to Sacramento, Golden State, Utah, Portland, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers.

In theory, the earliest that Butler could play again for the Heat is Jan. 17 at home against Denver. But he has likely played for Miami for the final time.

"Jimmy Butler and his