Jimmy Butler loses $3.1 million from his Heat contract following nine games of reported suspensions… Jimmy Butler’s push to force a trade from Miami is coming at a steep financial cost.
As reported by Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Butler’s latest two-game suspension—bringing his total to nine for the 2024-25 season—will result in $3.1 million in lost salary. However, Chiang noted that Butler “could still recover some (or even most) of that money, depending on the outcome of grievances filed through the NBPA.”
While losing millions over suspensions is an unfathomable amount for most people, Butler might want to reconsider if there’s a more financially sound way to pressure the Heat into a trade.
That said, his lost earnings are a fraction of the $48.7 million he’s making this season, and with career earnings of $312 million—set to rise to $364.4 million if he exercises his $52.4 million player option for 2025-26—his financial stability isn’t in jeopardy.
Beyond the numbers, Butler has a history of orchestrating dramatic exits, and while his current approach is costly, it’s likely to achieve the desired outcome once again.
Or, as Shakespeare famously put it, “Though this be madness, yet there is method in it.”
Jimmy Butler was benched again by the Miami Heat shortly after his return from a seven-game ban. Citing “insubordinate conduct,” they imposed a two-game suspension on the star guard for missing the team’s Wednesday travel to Milwaukee.
The Miami Heat announced that the 35-year-old, six-time All-Star has been suspended for two games due to an ongoing pattern of rule violations, insubordination, and actions harmful to the team, including missing the team’s flight to Milwaukee.
Butler was originally given a seven-game suspension by Miami on January 3 for several acts that were harmful to the franchise. They issued a statement stating that Butler has made it clear through his words and deeds that he no longer wants to be a member of this team, and they will “listen to offers” after he has expressed a desire to be transferred.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Butler might be dealt to the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, or Golden State Warriors, but he would reportedly want to be traded to the Phoenix Suns. He has a player option for over $52 million for the upcoming season and is presently in the final guaranteed year of his contract with the Heat.
