In his first game back following a seven-game suspension, Jimmy Butler saw the Miami Heat overwhelmed by the Denver Nuggets, who won decisively with a score of 133-113 on Friday night.
Jimmy Butler showed zero excitement during team intros. 😳pic.twitter.com/RLbGImmsT1
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) January 18, 2025
The atmosphere appeared somewhat tense, particularly for those unaware that Butler had requested a trade, and he is currently in a standoff with Heat President Pat Riley.
Jimmy Butler has ARRIVED 💥 pic.twitter.com/eAclzw86Jw
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 18, 2025
During the game, Butler scored 18 points (7-for-15 FG), collected three rebounds, and provided two assists. Although he donned a Heat jersey again, reports suggest that his relationship with the franchise is currently deemed ‘unfixable.’ Nonetheless, it appears fans can expect to see Butler play at least until the NBA trade deadline on February 6.
“Nothing has changed on his trade request.”
—@ShamsCharania on the situation between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. pic.twitter.com/vbaXOOc6bE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 18, 2025
Prior to the game, Butler shared a message stating, “I’m back,” a nod to Michael Jordan’s famous return during the 1994-95 season when he rejoined the Bulls.
Jimmy Butler did the MJ press release announcing his return 😤
(via @BernieoLee) pic.twitter.com/T4anDOGCuT
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 17, 2025
JIMMY BUTLER WEARING THE MJ 45 “I’m back”
WE GOT OUR JOY BACK LETS CHECK BALL pic.twitter.com/PEysHBtGLf
— Emo Jimmy (@HeatCulture13) January 17, 2025
Before the match, Butler was seen in the iconic #45 jersey and continued to wear it after the game.
Jimmy Butler says he was told to respond “no comment” when asked about his trade request.
Said he plans to hoop and if he’s still on the team after the trade deadline “I’ll hoop.”
Added he won’t say anything but eventually “the truth will come out.”
Here’s the full session… pic.twitter.com/wiVuLynSMN
— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) January 18, 2025
During the post-game press conference, when asked what would occur if he remained with the team after the trade deadline, Butler replied, “We’re playing a lot of ‘what-ifs,’ ain’t we? I’m going to hoop.”
Regarding his trade request, he reiterated, “no comment,” as instructed. The six-time All-Star emphasized that his issues are not with his teammates, stating, “It felt good to get out there and compete and actually run around with these guys. As much as everybody may think, I don’t got a problem with these guys. These guys are cool. They’re my friends… My beef is not with them and never will be. Never has been. But it did feel good to get out there and play some basketball.”
Butler concluded with a cryptic remark, saying, “the truth will come out.” Overall, it seems the underlying conflict arises from a contractual disagreement; Butler, who is set to make $49 million this season, is reportedly unhappy that the Heat did not extend a two-year/$113 million offer during the previous offseason. Given Butler’s pivotal role in leading the franchise to two NBA Finals (2020, 2023), the strained relationship with Riley and the front office is unexpected.
