Jimmy Butler‘s suspension has been one of the most discussed topics among NBA communities lately. After weeks of speculations regarding the 35-year-old’s future in Miami, the Heat forward surprised everyone in the media, admitting to having lost his joy to play for the team.
As a consequence of his statements, team president Pat Riley and the management issued a seven-game suspension to Butler. It is an unpleasant situation for Heat Nation, given the six-time All-Star’s contributions to the franchise over the years, including two Finals appearances.
Heat have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.”
Miami says that Jimmy’s actions and statements have “shown he no longer wants to be part of this team.” pic.twitter.com/Gbynmo2kOC
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 4, 2025
There have been strong rumors of Jimmy Buckets potentially joining the Warriors. Draymond Green spoke about the Heat forward’s suspension on his podcast. The four-time champion revealed some interesting behind-the-scenes insights and what could be the possible outcome of the entire saga.
Draymond Green’s Bold Prediction on Jimmy Butler’s Suspension
Green Predicts Riley’s Course of Action Post Butler’s Suspension
One of the most outspoken players in the league today, Green never hesitates to speak his mind. In the latest episode of his podcast, the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year disclosed how things hadn’t been rosy for a while now. Questioning the seven-game suspension, the Warriors veteran projected Riley’s future steps.
“I’ve actually been hearing for the last couple of years that they were kind of tired of Jimmy – Jimmy was kind of tired of them. I think, Jimmy was kind of a little more so enjoying just living in Miami…I’m not saying Jimmy’s a party.. Jimmy don’t go out.”
Green felt that Butler enjoyed his life in Miami and what it meant to be the face of the Heat franchise. Jimmy Buckets, in his final prime years, is eyeing a title, the Warriors forward implied. Not done with his thoughts, Green spoke about the possible outcomes of the Jimmy Butler suspension.
“It’s just my opinion. I can see two things happening. I can see Pat Riley sending Jimmy Butler to a team – an organization that he (Butler) absolutely hates – that’s garbage. I could also see Pat Riley saying, ‘Hey, go home for the rest of the year, just go home. We’ll pay you, it’s fine, go home. We’re not trading you anywhere.”‘
(Timestamp: 5:48)
Looking at The Godfather’s reputation in the league, Green’s statements attach value to them. It’s no secret that Riley runs the show in Miami, and his word is the final one. Hopefully, the two parties sort out their issues amicably before the situation turns uglier.
Warriors in Pursuit of Recruiting Butler
There has been a lot of conjecture about Butler being traded to the Bay Area. In search of a star player to pair opposite Stephen Curry, the front office has been actively scouting the trade market. One of the names that remains constant in this discussion is that of the Heat forward.
Butler and Green on the Warriors could be scary. With a player option for around $52.4 million in 2025-26, it will be interesting to see if Joe Lacob and Co. have enough cap space to accommodate the 2014-15 Most Improved Player. Nevertheless, time is ticking for Golden State too, given the team’s recent struggles and a dejected Curry.
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