Heat suspend Jimmy Butler again as trade talk swirls

The Miami Heat suspended forward Jimmy Butler two games after he missed a team flight, a person with knowledge of the punishment told USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the Heat announced the suspension.

It is Butler’s second suspension this month. The Heat on Jan. 3 suspended him seven games for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks. 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.”

Late Wednesday, the Heat released a statement: "We have suspended Jimmy Butler for two games for continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team, including missing today’s team flight to Milwaukee."

Butler returned from his suspension Friday and has played in Miami’s past three games – a loss to Denver, a victory against San Antonio and a loss to Portland. He will Thursday’s game at Milwaukee and Saturday’s game at Brooklyn.

The Butler-Heat saga continues to be a distraction for Miami, which is 21-21 and competing for a postseason spot with several other Eastern Conference teams hovering around .500.

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Butler-to-Phoenix has been a much-discussed potential trade, and Butler would like to play alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

On Tuesday, the Suns acquired three first-round draft picks in a trade with Utah to help facilitate a deal that would land Butler. It is not an easy trade to make. Suns guard Bradley Beal would have to waive his no-trade clause, and more than likely, a third or fourth team would need to be involved.

The trade deadline is February 6.

(This story was updated with new information.)

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jimmy Butler receives another Heat suspension