The Miami Heat’s tumultuous season took another hit on Monday when the team announced a suspension for six-time All-Star forward Jimmy Butler—his third this month. The 34-year-old, who signed a $136 million contract, was suspended indefinitely for what the team described as “intentionally withholding services.” The punishment stemmed from Butler walking out of a team shootaround ahead of Miami’s game against the Orlando Magic.
Despite Butler’s absence, the Heat mounted an impressive comeback, erasing a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter before securing a 125-119 victory in double overtime.
Miami has now played 20 games without Butler this season, winning 10. With him, their record stands at 13-12. As of Tuesday morning, Miami sat in sixth place in the Eastern Conference at 23-22, holding the final guaranteed playoff spot.
Butler’s Ongoing Dispute With Heat Management
Butler has been with the Heat since 2020, when Miami acquired him in a four-team trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. He played a pivotal role in leading the franchise to the NBA Finals twice—once in the COVID “bubble” season of 2020 and again in 2023. However, Miami fell short both times, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, respectively.
This season, Butler’s relationship with the Heat’s front office has soured. He requested a trade earlier in January, and the organization has been working on a deal ever since. Now, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto of USA Today’s HoopsHype, a Butler trade may require a three-team framework, with Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown emerging as a key piece.
Brown, a seven-year veteran, has played for four teams. He signed a two-year, $45 million contract with the Indiana Pacers in July 2023 before being dealt to Toronto at the midseason trade deadline.
“Brown is a candidate to be involved in a potential blockbuster multi-team trade involving Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler due to his expiring $23 million contract, with Toronto actively trying to participate as a facilitator,” Scotto reported Tuesday.
Miami Could Target Bruce Brown
Brown could be instrumental in helping Miami send Butler to Phoenix, Butler’s rumored preferred destination. A deal would allow him to team up with future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant and four-time All-Star Devin Booker on the Suns. Meanwhile, Miami appears interested in acquiring Brown as part of the return package.
“Brown’s contract would fit what the Heat are looking for, as he is playing on a $23 million expiring contract this season,” noted Adam Wells of Bleacher Report. “It would also seem unlikely he finishes this season in Toronto given where the Raptors are at in the standings and focused on a long-term rebuild.”
With Miami still aiming for its sixth consecutive playoff appearance, even without Butler, Wells suggested that “a player like Brown could help them achieve that goal.”
Brown is currently averaging 9.1 points per game for Toronto, marking his lowest scoring output since the 2021-22 season when he played for the Brooklyn Nets.
