Yahoo Sports Jimmy Butler to miss Heat debut for 'personal reasons'
Jimmy Butler will not make his debut with the Miami Heat on Wednesday.
The team announced before game time of their season opener against the Memphis Grizzlies that the newly acquired four-time All-Star will miss the game for “personal reasons.”
#MEMveMIA UPDATE: Jimmy Butler (personal reasons) will not play in tonight’s game vs the Grizzlies.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 23, 2019
‘Personal reasons’ unclear
There are no reports of what Butler’s personal reasons entail or when he’ll be available to play. Head coach Eric Spoelstra told the Associated Press that “everything’s fine” with Butler.
“It’s all good,” Spoelstra said.
The Heat acquired Butler in an offseason trade from the Philadelphia 76ers in a multi-team deal. Miami parted with Hassan Whiteside, Josh Richardson and a first-round pick to acquire Butler as the centerpiece of its team. Butler signed a four-year, $141 million contract as part of the deal that has him committed to the Heat through 2023.
Butler joined the 76ers last season after forcing a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves and going on a practice tirade where he insulted teammates and Timberwolves management.
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