Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler will have to sit out at least the final two games of his team’s road trip as he continues to recover from an illness.
The Heat’s announcement means the six-time All-Star will not be available when Miami plays Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets this weekend.
Butler could return to action on New Year’s Day when the Heat host the New Orleans Pelicans. Although the franchise will likely closely monitor Butler’s recovery over the next few days before approving his return to the court.
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Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat leaves the court after the team’s victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 27, 2022 in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Butler hasn’t played since the first quarter of Miami’s game against Miami on Dec. 20 Oklahoma City Thunderwhen he twisted his ankle, left the game and then was ruled out due to illness.
HEAT PRESIDENT PAT RILEY SHUTS DOWN JIMMY BUTLER TRADE RUMORS, ADDRESSES ‘DISTRACTION’
Miami has played three games since then without Butler, two because of illness and then Thursday’s win in Orlando as he prepared for a return in Miami.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler warms up before Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets on June 9, 2023 in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
He is not on the road trip with the team.
The Heat announced Thursday that they will not be trading Butler. ESPN reported that the 2021 NBA steals leader prefers to be moved before the February 6 trade deadline.
Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat prepares to shoot a free throw against the Washington Wizards on February 2, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC (Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images)
“We don’t normally comment on rumors, but all of this speculation is distracting to the team and isn’t fair to the players and coaches,” Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. “That’s why we’re making it clear: We’re not trading with Jimmy Butler.”
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Butler has publicly expressed no desire to be traded. He is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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