Miami Heat lower trade asking price amid Jimmy Butler's third suspension

MIAMI, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- The Miami Heat continue to engage in talks for potentially trading Jimmy Butler, who was suspended for a third time after walking out of practice. Recent negotiations reportedly include a lower asking price.

Sources told ESPN, The Athletic and the Miami Herald about the Heat's recent increased eagerness to split from the six-time All-Star, who requested a trade earlier this month.

Sources also told ESPN, the Herald and Yahoo Sports that the Heat's asking price for Butler has lowered, with a deal possible this week.

The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors are among the teams linked to Butler, who was suspended indefinitely Monday. He had been set to return from his second suspension -- a two-game ban -- Monday night. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 6.

Butler played for the Heat just five times since Dec. 20. He averaged 9.5 points, 4.2 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game over his last six appearances.

He was initially suspended Jan. 3 for seven games for his first instance of "conduct detrimental to the team." The Heat said at that time that they would "listen to offers" after Butler's representatives indicated he wanted a trade.

Butler then missed a team flight and was suspended for a second time Jan. 22.

"Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team," the Heat said.

Reports from multiple outlets cited the Heat's desire to seek a trade that would bring in players who could help the team win immediately, in addition to draft capital, flexible salaries and young talent.

Butler also has been linked to the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, but has shown obvious interest in a union with the Suns, including when he wore their colors on his shoes during a Jan. 21 game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He scored 13 points in 27 minutes during the 116-107 loss in Miami.

Butler, who is making $48.7 million in salary this season, has a player option of $52.4 million in 2025-26. His rift with the Heat has widened since last summer, when he was not given a contract extension.

The 35-year-old, who played in 291 of the Heat's 391 games from 2019-20 through 2023-24, was eligible for a two-year, $113 million pact.

The Heat (23-22) beat the Orlando Magic (24-24) in overtime on Monday in Miami for their second-consecutive victory. They are 10-10 without Butler in the lineup this season.

The Heat will host the Cleveland Cavaliers (37-9) at 7:30 p.m. EST Wednesday in Miami.